LG’s Smart Deadbolt Lock requires a Thread-capable Apple home hub, but Apple TV 4K support varies by model , including between two third-generation versions.
LG’s new Smart Deadbolt Lock is not something you can simply pair with an iPhone and forget. Apple’s store listing says the $349.95 accessory needs a Thread-enabled home hub, specifically HomeView, HomePod mini or selected Apple TV 4K models running the latest software. That matters because Thread is the low-power wireless standard that keeps smart-home devices responsive even when local Wi-Fi is unreliable. Apple says its home hubs are also required for remote control, shared access and automations.
The catch is that Apple’s wording is broader than it first appears. Most Apple TV 4K models do support Thread, but not every version does, and the same issue affects LG’s Temperature Sensor, which carries the same hub requirement. Apple’s own support material makes the distinction more clearly: Thread-based accessories need a Thread-capable home hub, such as HomePod mini, HomePod, Apple TV 4K with Thread, or a compatible third-party border router.
The model most likely to cause confusion is the Apple TV 4K third generation. Apple’s specifications split that device into two variants, and only the Wi-Fi + Ethernet model includes Thread networking technology. The cheaper Wi-Fi-only version does not. By contrast, Apple’s current Apple TV 4K fourth generation lists Thread as standard, alongside Wi-Fi 7 and Gigabit Ethernet. Apple’s HomePod mini and second-generation HomePod also include Thread support.
For households unsure which hub is already in use, Apple’s support guidance points users to the Home app on iPhone, iPad or Mac. Under Home Settings, then Home Hubs & Bridges, the active home hub appears at the top of the screen, and Automatic Selection can be turned off if a user wants to choose one manually. Apple also notes that only the home owner can add HomePod or Apple TV devices as home hubs.
If no Thread-capable hub is already installed, the options are limited but straightforward: Apple’s current lineup includes HomePod mini at $149, Apple TV 4K fourth generation at $299, and Apple HomeView at $299. The wider Apple Home Collection is due to begin arriving in December, with some accessories not expected until early 2027, while the LG lock itself is still listed as coming later in the US and Canada. That gives prospective buyers time to check compatibility before the lock actually ships.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
