Apple is ready to do battle with Google and Samsung for control of the connected home, according to a report in today’s FT.

According to the report, at next week’s Worldwide Developer Conference, Apple will unveil a platform that will transform the iPhone into a remote control for the home, controlling lighting, heating, security and individual appliances. At the heart of the platform would likely be tech that automated the switching on of lights when the phone detected that it was approaching the house.

Apple is thought to be in discussions with a number of manufacturers, whose devices and appliances would be certified to work with the platform.

In January, Google bought connected thermostat maker Nest for $3.2bn, and just last week, Nest announced a tie-up with energy firm, Npower which offers customers a connected Nest thermostats as part of an ‘Intelligent Fix’, online tariff.
Samsung’s main offerings in the connected home space currently amount to its Smart Home range of TVs, fridges and washing machines that can be controlled from Samsung phones and watches.

Apple has not commented on the rumours about the new platform.