Apple-assisted LG smart home accessories may introduce two new iPhone features: proximity-based controls and HomeKit setup that begins before an accessory receives power. The details come from leaker pdfu, who says the capabilities are present in iOS 27 code and related accessory firmware.

The reported LG lineup includes a thermostat, temperature sensor, deadbolt lock, wired video doorbell, and several security cameras. Bloomberg previously reported that Apple helped LG develop the range, which is expected to arrive at least several months from now.

How iPhone proximity controls may work

A feature called “Proximity Control” will reportedly recognise a nearby iPhone and surface an action for the accessory. On iPhones with a Dynamic Island, the prompt will appear there with an “Open Controls” option for products such as thermostats.

For cameras and video doorbells, the interaction is expected to offer a camera viewer instead. iPhones without a Dynamic Island and iPads will reportedly display a notification that remains visible for 30 seconds.

Users will be able to turn the behaviour off in the Home app after completing accessory setup. Earlier iOS 27 beta versions reportedly offered three choices: never show the controls, ask before launching them, or open them automatically. In iOS 27.2, the enabled option currently behaves like an approval prompt rather than launching the controls immediately.

According to pdfu, the system identifies an accessory through an identifier stored on an NFC tag, together with a Bluetooth Low Energy broadcast used for Apple’s proximity feature. Tapping an accessory for the first time is also expected to produce Dynamic Island feedback while setup begins.

HomeKit setup could begin before power is connected

The second reported feature would allow users to start pairing while an accessory is still unpowered. An iPhone would transfer its pairing identity and network credentials over NFC into the accessory’s secure element. After the accessory receives power, it could join a Wi-Fi or Thread network, allowing a home hub to complete Matter setup.

Pdfu says LG’s implementation will use a HomeKit NFC applet rather than the standard Matter NFC commissioning applet. This would make the power-free NFC provisioning method exclusive to HomeKit, although conventional Matter pairing would remain available after the accessories are switched on.

Firmware references for the reported LG lock and thermostat identify an NXP SE051H secure element. The accessories would store the relevant setup information there until they can connect to the home network.

Features remain subject to change

The proximity controls have reportedly appeared in iOS code since version 27.0, but their presentation has changed during development. The wording and launch behaviour could therefore be revised before Apple or LG ships the products.

Apple has announced a “Welcome home” event for October 13, where a home hub, updated Apple TV 4K, and refreshed HomePod mini are expected. The company could preview the LG accessories at that event, although the reported release schedule suggests they will not arrive immediately.