Whirlpool Corp. (NYSE:WHR) announced Monday that it is integrating its home appliances brands with Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) Apple Watch.
Whirlpool said it is the first appliance-maker to add remote functionality of its products on the Apple Watch. This will allow consumers to control connected ovens, dryers and washers via Apple’s ecosystem.
“Bringing intuitive technology and functionality to the appliance category that helps take the friction out of household chores is chief among our goals as we innovate for the smart home,” said Brett Dibkey, Whirlpool’s vice president of brand and strategy in North America in a statement.
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The Michigan-based company said it will roll out the capabilities in 2018 to more than 20 of its connected appliances. Among advanced features, consumers will be able to see the status of and control commands of their oven, control options and active cycles of washers, and detect if a dryer cycle has started and detect how much time remains.
“Our consumers are sophisticated and expect their appliances to work smarter, not harder,” said Dibkey. “Through the new collaboration with Apple, we’re increasing a consumer’s capability to interact with their appliances in new and more convenient ways.”
Meanwhile, Apple shares were down slightly in premarket trading on news that two shareholders have asked the tech giant to assess the impact of smartphones on children. Whirlpool shares were flat.