Apple could announce a new partnership with home security company ADT when it unveils its long-rumored smart home hub, with several clues pointing toward a possible deal between the two companies.
Apple has invited members of the media to a “Welcome home” experience in New York on Tuesday, October 13, where the company is expected to introduce its new home hub and a wider range of smart home products.
ADT job listings point to a secret home project
ADT has posted “Low Voltage Technician” job listings across several U.S. cities since around July, although people hired for these positions have reportedly received few details about their final responsibilities.
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Some new employees have spent recent months shadowing existing ADT technicians while waiting for additional information, while employees and managers connected to the roles have also signed non-disclosure agreements.
Another unusual detail is that ADT reportedly provided these new technicians with iPhones for work, while other technicians at the company generally use Android devices.
Employees have also been told that more information about their roles should arrive later this month, which lines up closely with Apple’s expected October 13 smart home announcement.
Apple could use ADT for home installations
The new roles reportedly involve home automation and in-home installation services, raising the possibility that ADT technicians will install Apple’s wall-mounted smart home hub or compatible accessories for customers.
Apple’s upcoming hub is expected to support Siri AI, smart home controls, security monitoring, FaceTime, music playback, calendars, photos and other household features. Apple reportedly plans both a tabletop version with a speaker base and a wall-mounted model.
The company is also expected to introduce compatible accessories from third-party brands, including LG, which would give professional installation services a larger role in Apple’s smart home plans.
ADT already works with Google on home security products, although that relationship appears to be changing as some Google Nest integrations have disappeared.
For now, an Apple and ADT partnership remains unconfirmed, but Apple’s October 13 event should provide a clearer picture of how the company plans to enter the smart home and home security market.
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