Apple has unveiled a new smart home lineup called the Apple Home Collection, bundling a smart door lock, video doorbell, thermostat, temperature sensor and security cameras. TechCrunch reported on Oct. 13 that the products will work with a new smart home hub called HomeView and will launch in December.

Apple also rolled out a $399.95 floodlight camera that combines outdoor lighting with video monitoring, alongside indoor and outdoor security cameras. The camera lineup also includes real-time viewing, motion detection, smart alerts and video storage.

HomeView is a hub that controls connected accessories and interacts with Apple software. TechCrunch said the lineup is seen as aimed at boosting competitiveness in the connected home security market dominated by Amazon Ring and Google Nest.

Apple developed the devices unveiled this time in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. TechCrunch said this is an unusual approach given Apple has built and supported smart home accessories directly.

The $349.95 smart deadbolt door lock supports ultra-wideband wireless technology, UWB. It enables more precise proximity recognition than Bluetooth, allowing the lock to automatically unlock when an authorised user comes close. Users do not need to take out a smartphone or look for a physical key.

The $249.95 wired video doorbell supports checking visitors outside the home and access conditions. When someone presses the doorbell, a chime sounds on HomeView, HomePod and HomePod mini, and notifications are sent to iPhone and iPad as well.

The temperature sensor shows environmental conditions for each room. Users can check different temperatures for each space and then adjust them.