Apple could partner with ADT to handle professional installation of its upcoming smart home products. US customers would get help fitting the wall-mounted Apple smart home hub and setting up compatible accessories.
A MacRumors report on Saturday points to ADT’s low-voltage technician hiring as the clue. ADT has posted the role in several US cities since around July, and the people hired have received few details about their assignments, with some expecting a briefing this month.
ADT’s New Technician Roles Point to Home Installation Work
Some of the new hires have spent recent months shadowing existing ADT technicians while they wait for assignments. Several employees and their managers signed nondisclosure agreements covering the role.
ADT also gave the new hires iPhones for work, while its other technicians use Android devices. One employee said a planned September briefing slipped to October, which lines up with Apple’s October 13 launch and the delays to its smart home hub.
Some employees who asked their managers were told the work involves home automation and in-home installation services. The public listing names neither Apple nor any Apple hardware.
That listing describes low-voltage wiring and device mounting in customers’ homes, plus testing connections and teaching customers how to use the system. The same skills would apply to a connected home installation service.
Professional Installation Could Support Apple’s Wall-Mounted Home Hub
The Apple smart home hub is expected in tabletop and wall-mounted versions, running Siri AI with FaceTime calling and smart home controls. It is also said to offer home security monitoring, music playback, calendar overviews and photo galleries.
Apple is also expected to launch compatible accessories built with brands such as LG. Photos of the LG Smart Deadbolt Lock and LG Smart Thermostat have already surfaced, though Apple has not announced either product.
A wall-mounted display or a replacement door lock is the kind of hardware many buyers would pay to have fitted. Technicians could also connect the devices and walk customers through the settings.
ADT already installs Google Nest products, and its professional installation service includes testing the system and showing customers how to use it.
That Google relationship may be winding down. The same report says ADT dropped some Google Nest features earlier this year, and that its agreement with Google either expired this year or will expire next year without renewal. That would free ADT to partner with Apple.
No Apple installation package or price has been announced, and it is unclear whether a partnership would include ADT security monitoring.
Apple has invited media to its Welcome Home experience in New York on Tuesday, October 13, where the smart home hub is expected to launch.
