iPhone’s Dynamic Island Could Soon Control Smart Home Devices Nearby

Image: Apple.

Apple’s upcoming LG smart home accessories could introduce a new feature called Proximity Control, letting iPhone users access their smart home devices simply by bringing their phone nearby.

According to leaker pdfu on X, the feature has been discovered in iOS 27.2 code and works much like the existing HomePod handoff experience. When an iPhone is brought near a compatible accessory, a prompt appears in the Dynamic Island with an option to open its controls.

Tapping “Open Controls” brings up the accessory’s controls in the Home app. For security cameras and video doorbells, users would instead see a live camera viewer.

On iPhones without a Dynamic Island, a notification would appear for 30 seconds. The same behaviour is also being developed for iPads, although the leaker notes that no current iPad supports NFC. Bluetooth could still make the feature possible.

The feature uses a combination of NFC and Bluetooth Low Energy to identify nearby accessories. Users would also see feedback in the Dynamic Island when tapping a new accessory to begin pairing it with their iPhone.

Apple is reportedly giving users the option to disable Proximity Control in the Home app. Earlier versions of the feature offered three settings, including automatically opening controls, but the current iOS 27.2 implementation uses a simpler on/off toggle.

Notifications on iPad would be classified as Time Sensitive, meaning whether they appear depends on the user’s Home app notification and Focus settings.

The discovery follows our earlier report showing leaked images of Apple’s LG smart home accessories, including a smart deadbolt lock, thermostat and temperature sensor. Apple and LG are reportedly working together on seven products, including security cameras and a video doorbell.

Apple has also confirmed an October 13 announcement under the tagline “Welcome home,” with a new smart home hub, HomePod mini and Apple TV expected.

Proximity Control remains under development, so there’s no guarantee it will ship in its current form. The LG accessories are also reportedly several months away from launching, with no Canadian pricing or availability announced.