Leak Details iPhone Features for Apple's LG Home Accessories

Smart home accessories that Apple reportedly helped LG develop could offer iPhone proximity controls and a way to begin setup before the devices have power, according to findings shared by the leaker known as "pdfu."

The findings concern the upcoming LG-branded accessory range that Bloomberg revealed earlier this week. The lineup reportedly includes a thermostat, temperature sensor, deadbolt lock, wired video doorbell, and several security cameras. Apple apparently co-developed the accessories.

One of the features, called "Proximity Control," will surface a shortcut when an iPhone is tapped against or brought close to an accessory. Pdfu says the Dynamic Island will present an "Open Controls" option for products such as thermostats. Cameras and doorbells will instead display a camera viewer.

The interaction will also apparently work on iPads and iPhones without a ‌Dynamic Island‌, using a notification that remains visible for 30 seconds. A setting in the Home app will let users switch proximity controls off after configuring the accessory.

MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris identified the Dynamic Island references earlier this week. Pdfu says the underlying feature has appeared in code since iOS 27.0, with its settings changing during development. Earlier versions included an option to open controls automatically, but the enabled setting in iOS 27.2 currently asks users to open them through a prompt.

According to the leaker, the accessories will use an identifier stored on an NFC tag alongside a Bluetooth Low Energy broadcast to support recognition and proximity interactions. Tapping a device for the first time will also produce ‌Dynamic Island‌ feedback as setup begins.

The second feature, described in a separate post, will allow pairing to start while an accessory is unpowered. An iPhone will transfer its pairing identity and network credentials into the accessory's secure element using near-field communication (NFC). When the device receives power, it will connect to Wi-Fi or Thread, allowing a home hub to finish Matter setup.

Pdfu says that this setup method will be exclusive to HomeKit. LG replaces the secure element's Matter NFC applet with a ‌HomeKit‌ applet, even though iOS 27 also supports standard Matter NFC. Conventional Matter pairing will remain available once the accessories are powered on.

Proximity Control is still being revised across beta releases, according to pdfu, so its behavior could change before shipping.

Apple yesterday announced its "Welcome home" event for Tuesday, October 13, with a home hub, updated Apple TV 4K, and refreshed HomePod mini expected to be announced. Apple could provide a preview of LG's accessories, although Bloomberg says their release remains at least a few months away.