In the US Apple is partnering directly with home builders to offer new houses with Apple HomeKit products already installed throughout.
Homekit enabled on-wall lighting and audio control.
For US residential property developer and builder of homes KB Home, the biggest threat to business is resale, not other builders.. "We're always differentiating against or compared to resale homes," said Jacob Atalla, KB's vice president of sustainability. "And this adds one additional layer of differentiation."
Atalla is talking about their technology partnership with Apple and it's Apple iOS smart home platform, HomeKit. They are on of small list of builders such as Lennar and Brookfield Residential to build into their homes pre-packaged smart home products, these are all specified as as part of the home design process. Want smart window shades? You pick the style and KB will handle the install for you, wireless control of your hifi - you choose the speakers and hifi systems and they will build it in.
This happens all over the world but this is the first time that the technology provider is working directly with the homebuilder to help them specify their products. Apple's foray into the Smart Home has been a long drawn out one, they might be thinking this is a great way to leapfrog their products into buyers homes, especially if they like Apple products and have iPhones and iPads to command their new home.
https://www.cnet.com/uk/news/an-apple-smart-home-made-to-order/