Full Breakdown
Apple Unveils Full-Scale “Home Collection” Smart-Home Line
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Launch of the Apple Home Collection
Apple announced a six-device “Home Collection” at its “Welcome Home” event on Tuesday. The lineup, co-developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, includes a video doorbell, four security cameras, a smart deadbolt lock, and two smart thermostats. Pricing ranges from $199 for the indoor camera to $399 for the floodlight-equipped outdoor camera; the lock and doorbell are listed at $349 and $250 respectively. All devices support the Matter standard and integrate with Apple’s new HomeView smart-home display and the Home app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and HomePod.
Background & Context
Apple’s entry into the smart-home market has been incremental. Earlier collaborations, such as the LG Circle security camera, offered limited functionality and did not gain traction. The current partnership expands Apple’s portfolio beyond accessories like smart plugs, positioning the company to compete directly with established players Amazon and Google.
Data & Statistics
- Smart lock (LG) – $349; UWB-enabled Home Key, PIN entry, physical keyhole.
- Video doorbell (LG) – $250; dual 2.5K cameras, motion-activated light.
- Indoor camera (LG) – $200; 2.5K resolution, auto-tilt feature.
- Outdoor plug-in camera (LG) – $300; 2.5K resolution.
- Floodlight camera (LG, wired) – $400; dual LEDs, adaptive brightness.
- Smart thermostats – $200 each (LG round model, Schneider square model); humidity sensor, adaptive temperature control, Clean Energy Guidance integration.
- All devices are advertised as compatible with Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa via Matter, and they can store video in an iCloud Plus plan that includes 10 days of cloud storage.
Official Statements & Responses
Apple emphasizes end-to-end encryption for all Home app data, stating that neither Apple nor its partners can access footage for other purposes. The company notes that video processing occurs on an Apple Home hub or “Private Cloud Compute” server, with optional cloud storage only when users opt-in. Apple also highlights the integration of Siri AI for on-device video descriptions and the ability to export footage through the Home app.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Apple has not disclosed the pricing model for AI-driven video description services, nor the amount of local storage available when iCloud connectivity fails. The lack of detail creates uncertainty about total ownership costs beyond the listed hardware prices.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Apple Home Collection makes it easy to choose smart home accessories with confidence,” — Matthew Costello, Apple’s vice president of hardware engineering, on the announcement page
What’s Next
The Apple Home Collection devices are slated to appear online and in Apple retail stores beginning in December, with a subset of “select accessories” expected to launch early the following year. Apple’s roadmap includes further AI-enhanced Home features, but performance and pricing will determine whether the collection reshapes the smart-home market.