Apple announces release dates for the first Apple Home Collection smart devices

The first few smart home devices and accessories that Apple co-developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric for its new Apple Home Collection are now available for preorder through the company’s online store, with delivery expected in mid-December. Apple announced the collection a month ago as part of a stronger push into the smart home space that’s led by its new Siri AI-powered HomeView smart display which is also now available starting today. Of all the Apple Home Collection devices currently listed on its online store, only a handful of LG accessories are available for preorder. These include the $299.95 LG Outdoor Cam and $199.95 Indoor Cam, plus the $249.95 LG Video Doorbell, which all show an estimated shipping timeline of December 11th to December 17th. The rest of the collection, including the $399.95 LG Floodlight Cam, $349.95 LG Smart Deadbolt Lock, $199.95 LG Smart Thermostat, $199.95 Schneider Home Smart Thermostat, and $39.95 Schneider Home Room Sensor, aren’t yet available for preorder and don’t have an estimated ship date. The devices in the Apple Home Collection don’t include exclusive features or functionality, but through the partnership, Apple has streamlined the setup process so it’s as easy as tapping them with your iPhone to get them running. The devices in the collection also use Thread to remain connected should they lose access to the internet or your Wi-Fi network, and they can automatically update their network credentials if you make changes to your wireless network.