Before you pick between the two $199.95 (U.S.) Apple Home Collection thermostats, check your wall. Apple’s store pages for the LG Smart Thermostat and the Schneider Home Smart Thermostat describe HVAC support, power and mounting hardware in different terms, and those details decide whether you need a $24.95 adapter or a $14.95 trim plate on top of the thermostat.
Our thermostat launch story already compares the displays, connections, size and weight. This piece covers installation and compatibility.
Which HVAC systems each thermostat supports
Apple’s Apple Home Collection press release says both thermostats “work with a broad range of HVAC systems, with on-device wire detection to simplify installation.” The store pages get more specific, and they phrase it differently.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
LG lists system types. Its page says the LG Smart Thermostat “Works with many home heating and cooling systems, including conventional furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, and fan coil units,” plus “add-ons like humidifiers and dehumidifiers.”
Schneider Home lists a voltage. Its page says the thermostat is “Designed for most standard 24V residential HVAC systems, with automatic wire detection for a simple, guided installation.”
LG’s page does not state a voltage for the thermostat itself, but its C-Wire Adapter page says that accessory “Requires a compatible 24VAC HVAC system.” If your heating runs on something other than a low-voltage 24V control circuit, confirm support with the manufacturer before you buy.
Do you need a C-wire?
A C-wire, or common wire, supplies continuous power to a smart thermostat. Neither thermostat page says a C-wire is mandatory, but both makers sell an adapter for homes that lack one, and both cost $24.95 (U.S.).
| LG Thermostat C-Wire Adapter | Schneider Home Smart Thermostat C-Wire Adapter, 24V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.95 | $24.95 |
| Who it is for | “Designed for homes without an existing C-wire” | “Only needed in homes with no common wire” |
| How it powers the thermostat | Draws power from the HVAC system’s control board | Provides continuous power without additional wiring |
| Mounting | Compact design for installation near HVAC equipment | Rubber magnet holds it in place |
| Cable length | 400 mm | 25 cm |
| In the box | Adapter, wire label, manual | Adapter, Quick Start Guide, safety insert |
LG adds that “Installation requirements and compatibility may vary depending on HVAC system type, wiring configuration, and installation environment.” LG’s adapter is built for “flexible installation near HVAC equipment,” while Schneider Home says its compact design “allows it to be tucked out of sight.” Either way, plan for access to more than the thermostat’s spot on the wall.
Both thermostat pages list the power source as “AC.”
What’s in the box
The boxes differ in one way that matters for older walls.
- LG Smart Thermostat: the thermostat, base plate, trim plate, 2 wire labels, 2 screws, 2 anchors and a manual.
- Schneider Home Smart Thermostat: the thermostat, Quick Install Guide, wiring labels, 2 drywall anchors and 2 screws.
LG includes a trim plate. Schneider Home sells its Smart Thermostat Trim Plate separately for $14.95 (U.S.). Apple’s page says it “Hides wall damage caused by a previous thermostat,” “Sits flush with the wall” and “Installs with the thermostat in one step, held by the same screws.” It measures 120.8 mm by 180.14 mm, so it covers a larger patch than the 84.64 mm thermostat face. If you are replacing an older, larger thermostat, budget for it.
Network and home hub requirements
The two pages list connectivity differently. LG’s page shows “Bluetooth 5.3, Matter” and a system requirement of “2.4GHz Wi-Fi, 5GHz Wi-Fi.” LG Electronics’ own release says “Matter over Thread enables low-power, responsive connectivity.” Schneider Home’s page lists “Matter over Thread, Wireless” and notes that “Some features require internet access.”
Both pages carry the same fine print: setup “Requires iPhone running the latest operating system software for NFC pairing and local control,” and “Adaptive Temperature requires a home hub such as Apple TV, HomePod, or HomeView.” You also need the latest Home app and Location Services turned on for the Home app and home accessories.
iPhone compatibility
The iPhone lists on the two thermostat pages are identical. Both start at iPhone 14 and run through the current lineup:
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e
- iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air and iPhone 17e
- iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo
If your iPhone is older than iPhone 14, it is not on either list.
Part numbers for your records
Apple’s store part numbers are HSMZ2ZM for LG and HSMV2ZM for Schneider Home. Schneider Home’s page also gives a manufacturer part number, SAH231111, plus UPC 3606488112210. LG’s page lists no manufacturer part number, only UPC 048231352123. The accessories follow the same pattern: Schneider Home’s Trim Plate is SAH232211 and its C-Wire Adapter is SAH232311, while LG’s adapter page shows only UPC 048231352130.
Which one fits your house
If you have a boiler, fan coil unit or a humidifier or dehumidifier add-on, LG’s page is the one that names those systems. If your system is a standard 24V setup with no C-wire, either thermostat plus a $24.95 adapter should cover it, and the choice comes down to whether you want the trim plate in the box (LG) or as a $14.95 extra (Schneider Home).
If you would rather not touch the wiring, Apple Retail offers third-party installation from ADT for an additional charge in the U.S. Apple’s store pages say to check installation.adt.com for availability and pricing in your area.
