Leak Points to 'Proximity Control,' a Dynamic Island HomeKit Feature Exclusive to Apple's LG-Built Accessories

Tapping an iPhone against one of the LG-built accessories, or simply bringing the phone near it, will produce a notification out of the Dynamic Island, according to the post. For accessories such as thermostats, that notification carries an "Open Controls" button; for cameras and doorbells, it shows a "camera viewer." The Dynamic Island will also display feedback when an iPhone launches setup after the user taps the accessory to pair it for the first time.

Behind the scenes, the post says, the accessory writes an "apple-deviceid" into the Matter payload stored on its NFC tag, which lets iOS identify the device when it is tapped. The accessory also broadcasts a Bluetooth Low Energy advertisement for Apple Proximity Control, and users appear to be able to switch the feature off in the Home app.

Features referenced in Apple's code do not always ship, and those that do can behave differently from early references. Earlier this week, Aaron Perris reported finding code references to a feature in which "nearby smart home accessories could show controls in the Dynamic Island."

Bloomberg reported earlier this week that Apple and LG worked together to develop a thermostat, a deadbolt lock, an indoor security camera, an outdoor security camera and a flood light camera. The same report said Apple likely will not release the accessories for at least a few more months, though they could still be shown at the "Welcome home" Apple event next week. Subsequent leaks have included images of a Home smart lock and thermostat and indications that the second-party line is larger than previously reported.