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Apple’s newest iOS iteration, iOS 18, will arrive with some exciting new features for HomeKit and Apple Home.
The tech giant announced several updated features to HomeKit and its Home app, set to arrive with the newest version of its iOS software. Among these new features, five seem promising: robotic vacuum cleaner control, guest access, hands-free unlock, electricity usage, and Spatial Audio for Airplay.
1Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Control
One of the coolest aspects of owning a robotic vacuum cleaner is the ability to start it without leaving your couch. Many companies offer supporting apps with this capability, but that’s nowhere near as fun as saying, “Hey Siri, vacuum the living room.” That’s where voice control comes in.
With Apple’s new robotic vacuum cleaner control feature, HomeKit devotees will be able to use Siri to start their vacuum using their voice. They’ll also be able to add their robot cleaning buddy to HomeKit scenes and automations.
While this is exciting news, Apple may be a little late to the party. Google Home and Amazon Alexa already offer this capability in some capacity. For those invested in HomeKit as their platform of choice, however, this update promises to fill a glaring gap in an otherwise comprehensive ecosystem.
If you’re wondering whether your vacuum will be supported, at present, no major robotic vacuum manufacturers are reporting full iOS 18 compatibility. Part of the issue might have to do with the implementation of Matter 1.2. According to apress release from The Connectivity Standards Alliance, of which Apple is a member, Matter 1.2 recently added support for a wider range of devices, including robot vacuums. Matter 1.3, released in May, brought additional features.
Apple’s announcement of robotic vacuum control thereafter seems to imply that Matter 1.2 and 1.3 will play a role in the iOS 18 roll-out. That’s a massive step toward additional Matter device support in Apple Home.
On the other hand, Apple hasn’t officially announced that these new HomeKit features will hinge on the updated Matter standard. Even if it’s a logical assumption. Likewise, most robotic vacuum manufacturers still have yet to implement Matter 1.2 or 1.3 into their current offerings.
The outlier being Roborock. TheRoborock websiteclaims an OTA update for Matter on the S8 series is on the horizon.We’ve discussed the S8 series in depthif you’re curious.
More manufacturers are expected to announce iOS 18 compatibility as the fall release approaches.
2Guest Access and Activity History
Apple’s new guest access feature is another first for the HomeKit crowd. According to theApple press release, you can now “assign access permissions to door locks, garage doors, and alarm systems.” Which means no more rushing home to meet the dog walker, or leaving a key under the mat for the in-laws.
Guest access also allows you to set time limits and access permissions with just a few taps. And with the new Activity History sub-feature, you can monitor the comings and goings around your home—even while you’re away. The current developer version of Activity History records dates, times, and devices accessed on a rolling basis. It sorts these chronologically and groups them by date.
If you’d rather Apple not monitor your smart locks and garage doors, Activity History is easy to switch off in the Home app.
3Hands-Free Unlock With Home Keys
Ever had to fumble with your keys while juggling an armful of groceries? Hands-free unlock might be right up your alley. This new Apple Home feature promises easy, automatic unlocking of doors within a six-foot proximity.Apple’s iOS 18 announcementstates that this feature will rely on Ultra-wideband technology—a communication protocol known for its security and low energy usage.
It’s still too early to tell which manufacturers will officially support the feature. Like robotic vacuum cleaner control, though, expect the major smart lock players to update offerings as Apple draws closer to its official iOS 18 release date.
4Electricity Usage
For the more conservation-conscious, Apple’s new electricity usage feature offers insight into how many kilowatt-hours of electricity your smart home uses. The official Apple press photos showcase a surprisingly granular data set, which includes day-to-day monitoring of energy usage.
There are even highlights for peak and off-peak usage percentages and suggested “Energy Actions” to help cut down your bill.
If you’re the type of person who wants to know exactly where your electricity dollars are being spent every month, then this new addition is likely to get you pumped up.
Apple indicates that it is partnering with local electricity companies to help provide this data. Only one electric company seems to be on Apple’s roster presently—California’s Pacific Gas & Electric. According to Apple’s website, however, more “leading” companies might not be far behind.
Current PG&E customers using the developer beta of iOS 18 might even be able to add their account information right now. Everyone else will have to hang tight until more partnerships are announced.
If you’re looking to save money on your energy bills in the meantime, you might start byoptimizing the settings on your home thermostat.
5Airplay Spatial Audio
The final feature that we’re excited about has more to do with the entertainment aspect of your smart home than with automation and control. With iOS 18, Apple is bringing Spatial Audio to Airplay, meaning you’ll have access with the HomePod and HomePod Mini.
For owners of AirPods or Beats headphones, Spatial Audio isn’t exactly new. Still, it’s a welcome addition to the HomePod product line, offering a more immersive aural entertainment experience. Apple states that the new AirPlay Spatial Audio offering supports Dolby Atmos, and works with both HomePod and other “compatible third-party equipment.” This feature arrives alongside several other entertainment-focused updates as Apple revamps tvOS 18.
Overall, these five awesome new features indicate Apple has big plans for your smart home experience moving forward. If you want to try iOS 18 before the official release, we’ve put together a guide onhow to try out iOS now. However, you’ll need to be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program. If you’re not a developer, then, unfortunately, you’ll need to be patient until Apple releases the public beta version of iOS 18.
