Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 days ago
Rumored Apple-LG smart home devices may add iPhone proximity controls
Apple and LG are reportedly developing smart home accessories for Apple’s Home platform, including products such as a thermostat, cameras and a doorbell.
A leaker says the devices could let an iPhone show controls when it is tapped against or brought near an accessory.
The controls would appear through the Dynamic Island on supported iPhones, while cameras and doorbells could show a camera view.
Other iPhones and iPads may receive a notification instead.
The leak also describes a way to begin pairing an accessory before it has power by transferring setup details from an iPhone over NFC.
Once powered, the device could connect to Wi-Fi or Thread so a home hub can finish setup.
Apple has not confirmed these features, and their design may change before launch.
The accessories could be shown at Apple’s planned October 13 event, but one source says they may not go on sale for several months.
A leak says Apple and LG’s rumored smart home accessories could offer iPhone proximity controls and setup before the devices are powered on.
Proximity Control could show accessory controls in the iPhone’s Dynamic Island when the phone is brought near a compatible device.
Cameras and doorbells could show a camera viewer, while iPhones without Dynamic Island and iPads could receive a notification.
A separate feature could transfer pairing information and network credentials to an accessory over NFC before it has power.
Apple has not confirmed the features, and reports say their final behavior could change.
- Who
- Apple and LG, which reportedly co-developed the accessories; the leak was shared by an account known as pdfu.
- What
- The rumored accessories could support iPhone proximity controls and setup before they are powered on.
- When
- Details were reported on October 9, 2026. The features have reportedly appeared in code since iOS 27.0.
- Where
- The accessories are intended for Apple’s HomeKit smart home lineup. The products’ launch location is not stated.
- Why
- The features are intended to make controlling and setting up compatible smart home accessories easier.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Show controls when you bring your iPhone near your [accessory].
You’ll also see feedback in the Dynamic Island as iPhone launches setup when you first tap the accessory to pair it.
Aaron Perris identified code references to nearby smart home accessories showing controls in the Dynamic Island.
pdfu posted details about setting up accessories by tapping an iPhone against them before they have power.
pdfu posted details about Proximity Control for the rumored Apple-LG accessories.
Apple’s planned “Welcome home” event could include more about its smart home plans.
- Reported accessory lineup
- Thermostat, temperature sensor, deadbolt lock, wired video doorbell, and security cameras
- Proximity Control
- Dynamic Island prompt with an “Open Controls” option for products such as thermostats
- Camera and doorbell interaction
- A camera viewer could appear when an iPhone is brought close
- Alternative notification
- A notification could remain visible for 30 seconds on iPads and iPhones without Dynamic Island
- Pre-power setup
- NFC could transfer pairing identity and network credentials to an accessory before it receives power
- Reported software code
- iOS 27.0
Sources
Related news
Apple’s HomeView smart home hub is expected to ship in mid-November
Apple classifies the 2017 Apple TV 4K as vintage
Rumored Apple TV update may add a built-in mic and remote speaker
Entry-level iPad update expected in early 2027
Apple reportedly plans new HomePod mini and Apple TV on Oct. 13
Apple’s HomeView smart home hub is expected to arrive before year-end
Unsupported Windows versions will lose access to updates in 2027
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 set to open in San Francisco on October 13
Apple confirms October 13 launch focused on smart home products
Writer says Stride’s step reminders help more than Google Health
Apple reportedly plans touchscreen MacBook and iPad mini launch around October 27
