A thermostat and a temperature and humidity sensor made by Schneider Electric have been found in the code for iOS 27.2, the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system. These devices have been given the same "second-party" status as LG accessories within Apple's HomeKit, a platform for managing smart home devices. According to 9to5Mac, which reported on the discovery by a leaker known as pdfu, this status means the devices were co-developed with Apple but are sold under Schneider Electric's brand, similar to how LG collaborates with Apple on some products. In Apple's ecosystem, a "first-party" accessory is one made directly by Apple, while a "third-party" is made by an independent company that ensures compatibility with Apple's systems. A "second-party" device, like those from LG and Schneider, is developed jointly with Apple but sold under the partner's name. The iOS 27.2 code shows that only LG accessories and the two Schneider products currently have this status in the HomeKit database, meaning they might receive special features or integration from the system. However, the development stages of these products are not the same. The thermostat has temporary configuration elements in the code, including a mention of "Proximity Settings," though its purpose is not yet clear. The sensor, on the other hand, lacks these elements, suggesting it may be further behind in development. Meanwhile, Apple's roadmap for other smart home devices is becoming clearer. An Apple TV 4K, a HomePod mini 2, and a connected screen called "HomePad" could be announced as early as next week. LG's accessories are expected later, possibly in several months, while no timeline has been set for Schneider Electric's products. For consumers planning to buy smart home devices in the near future, it may be wise to wait for official product announcements before purchasing a thermostat or other Apple-focused accessories. Until then, devices that support Matter, an open standard that enables communication between smart home products from different brands, should work with any central hub, including Apple's. The hub acts as the central controller for all connected home devices.