Apple's Smart Home Play: What It Means for Your Living Room
Your next smart home might be cheaper and easier to set up.
Deep Dive
Apple is taking a smarter approach to the home than the author expected, leaning into integration with partners — and next up, what Amazon should do about agents. That's the preview of the piece; the full analysis sits behind a Stratechery Plus subscription, which runs $15 a month or $150 a year and includes the Stratechery Update, Stratechery Interviews, and a roster of podcasts.
Key Points
- Apple is partnering with LG to make smart home devices that work together seamlessly, reducing the frustration of incompatible gadgets.
- Amazon is being pushed to upgrade its AI assistants so they can perform tasks like reordering groceries, making them more like personal assistants.
- Both moves could save you time and money, but may also lock you into a single brand's ecosystem and raise privacy concerns.
Why It Matters
A more integrated smart home could save you time and hassle, but watch for brand lock-in and privacy trade-offs.