LG Plans to Launch HomeKit-Enabled Accessories, With Apple’s Blessing

Mark Gurman, reporting for Bloomberg: Apple Inc.’s upcoming push into smart home devices will include a doorbell, thermostat and other accessories developed through an unusual partnership with LG Electronics Inc. The products will be part of an ecosystem of devices that work with Apple’s new smart home hub, as well as an upgraded HomePod mini and fresh TV set-top box, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The new Apple devices are set to be introduced on Oct. 13. The products developed with South Korea’s LG will also include a smart deadbolt lock, indoor security camera, outdoor security camera, and floodlight camera, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the undertaking is private. It is lazy reporting to call this partnership unusual. Back in the dark days of the Mac, when Apple discontinued its only first-party display, it replaced it with the LG UltraFine 4K and 5K monitors: the LG-made iMac LCD panels packaged as standalone monitors. Most third-party…