Apple’s new ‘second-party’ accessories for Home are bigger than we thought, per leak

9to5mac.com Oct 8, 2026

Apple’s new ‘second-party’ accessories for Home are bigger than we thought, per leak

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 8, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple is expanding its smart‑home ecosystem by partnering with third‑party manufacturers. Leaked data shows Apple has co‑developed LG‑branded accessories that will ship under LG’s name, while iOS 27.2 reveals two additional “second‑party” devices: a Schneider‑branded smart thermostat and a temperature/humidity sensor. These products are listed in Apple’s HomeKit database with a special designation that may grant them enhanced OS integration. The move follows Apple’s upcoming first‑party releases, including a new Apple TV 4K, HomePad, and HomePod mini 2.

💡 Why It Matters

· By integrating third‑party hardware, Apple can accelerate ecosystem growth and offer a broader range of devices without bearing full manufacturing costs.
· This strategy may shift the smart‑home market toward more collaborative, branded solutions.

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Touch-screen MacBook Pro may be lighter, but it won’t be much thinner

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has revised his earlier forecasts for Apple’s upcoming MacBook Pro, stating the device will not be significantly thinner despite expectations of an OLED touch‑screen redesign. The new model, anticipated by the end of November 2026, is expected to be lighter thanks to component rearrangement and size reductions, though Apple has not disclosed exact weight savings. Gurman’s latest X post contradicts his prior claims of a slimmer chassis, and no official confirmation from Apple exists regarding the touch‑screen or any redesign. The current 16‑inch MacBook Pro weighs 4.7 lb, compared with the 3.3 lb 15‑inch MacBook Air, highlighting the potential but unquantified weight advantage. The speculation follows years of Apple touch‑screen patents, a hinge redesign, and macOS 27’s Sidecar touch support.

💡 A lighter, touch‑enabled MacBook Pro could reshape professional workflows by merging tablet flexibility with laptop power, challenging the existing divide between MacBook and iPad product lines.

9to5mac.com · Oct 8

First RCs for macOS Sequoia 15.8.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.7.2 now available…

Apple released the first Release Candidates for macOS Sequoia 15.8.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.7.2 to public beta testers on October 7. The builds, 24H219 for Sequoia and 25G320 for Tahoe, match the developer RCs and include critical security fixes, notably a CoreGraphics vulnerability that could enable arbitrary code execution. Apple previously issued 15.8.1 and 26.7.1 with two RCs each. The updates are recommended for all users and will precede the official 27.2 Golden Gate release.

💡 The swift rollout of security patches underscores Apple’s proactive stance against sophisticated exploits, protecting users before the final OS releases.

appleinsider.com · Oct 8

Cameras come into focus in another Apple-LG smart home leak

Leaked images reveal several Apple‑LG smart‑home security cameras, including the LG Video Doorbell Wired, Floodlight Cam, Outdoor Cam Plug‑In, and Indoor Cam Plug‑In. The doorbell features dual cameras and dual‑band Wi‑Fi with WPA2/3 and Thread support. The outdoor and floodlight units offer infrared LEDs, microphones, speakers, and NFC, while the indoor model mounts on an arm with a motorized tilt. The leaks suggest a 2027 launch under the LG brand, amid rumors of Apple’s independent camera line.

💡 The leaks expose the technical depth of the Apple‑LG partnership, hinting at a competitive edge in the privacy‑focused smart‑home market. They also clarify the timeline for consumer rollout, influencing expectations for Apple’s upcoming product announcements.

ign.com · Oct 8

Last Chance to Pick up a Pair of Apple AirPods Pro 3…

Amazon’s October Prime Day Sale ends tonight, offering Apple AirPods Pro 3 earbuds at $179, down from $249 at Apple’s retail price. The new generation, released late last year, adds heart‑rate sensing, improved audio, noise cancellation, longer battery life, and an IP57 weather‑proof shell. The earbuds also support Apple’s Live Translation feature. Availability is limited, and the deal includes free shipping. Missing the sale may mean waiting for Black Friday discounts.

💡 The price cut makes the latest high‑performance Apple earbuds accessible to a broader audience, potentially accelerating adoption of Apple’s health‑tracking ecosystem.

9to5mac.com · Oct 8

Apple partners with The King’s Trust on new Creative Labs initiative in…

Apple and The King’s Trust expanded their partnership with the Apple x King’s Trust Creative Labs, a UK education program that offers workshops to develop creative and digital skills among young people. The initiative began earlier this week with music‑industry and creative sessions tied to the opening of Apple Music Hall. Up to 20 participants aged 18‑30 will join the first cohort, with additional sessions planned over the next year. Apple also plans resources to improve AI literacy and support educators in integrating new technologies.

💡 By linking industry experts, cutting‑edge tools, and mentorship, the program directly equips emerging creators with the skills employers demand, potentially reshaping the UK’s creative workforce pipeline.

9to5mac.com · Oct 8

Leaked images reveal Apple’s new Home smart lock, thermostat, more for LG

Apple has co‑developed a line of smart‑home accessories that will be sold under LG branding, according to a Bloomberg report and leaked images. The lineup includes a smart lock, thermostat, temperature sensor, video doorbell, indoor and outdoor cameras, and a floodlight camera. Leaked photos show the lock’s rotating keypad, adjustable touchpad light, and audio alarm settings, while the thermostat offers far‑sight display, humidity readout, brightness, language options, and temperature calibration. Apple is expected to unveil its Home product overhaul next week, potentially featuring these LG‑branded devices.

💡 Apple’s partnership with LG expands its Home ecosystem beyond its own hardware, positioning the company to compete directly with established smart‑home brands. The collaboration could accelerate adoption of Apple‑designed security and climate controls in mainstream households.