During the yearly Developer Conference from Apple, WWDC, apple announced their latest software updates with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, WatchOS 11, macOS Sequoia, tvOS 18 and visionOS 2. They also introduced Apple Intelligence with AI features within the Apple ecosystem. For Smart Home users, there are also a few interesting updates with Guest Access in HomeKit, an improved version of Siri and the support of Robot Vacuum Cleaners and Hands-free unlock for Smart Locks.
Improved Siri
The biggest update for Smart Home during WWDC this year might be the improved version of Siri. A lot of users complain about Siri as it doesn’t always understand you when use a slightly different word for e.g. a HomeKit action. It’s also not able to perform multiple actions at the same time, unless you create a scene. With the improved Siri in i.a. iOS 18, it uses Apple Intelligence to give more natural, personal and contextual responses. The design is also changed, as Siri will be shown as a colourful light wrapped around the edge of your screen, to make it more subtle. A double tap on the bottom of your screen activates the possibility to write to Siri if you don’t want to speak. While part of the AI is running on your device, ChatGPT is also integrated to use when needed. The improved Siri will be available this fall as a beta function in American English only. We expect Smart Home users will also benefit from these improvements with more possibilities to control your Smart Home in an easy way without the need to use specific words or asking Siri multiple times to perform multiple actions.
Siri Shortcuts
With new software updates, it’s always interesting to check for new functionality in the Siri Shortcuts app as these are not always explicitly announced by Apple. Smart Home Centre found two interesting new features for Siri Shortcuts for Smart Home. We were able to add a specific Shortcut as an action within an automation in HomeKit. Previously, you were able to create your Shortcut within HomeKit, but it was not possible to run a pre-made Shortcut from the Shortcut app. Second, there is finally a Shortcut which is able to toggle the status of your Smart Home devices, such as light and locks. Previously, you always had to add a if statement to cover both statuses, but now you can use the toggle to e.g. turn the lights on when they’re off and vice versa. In the current Developer Beta this is unfortunately only available in Siri Shortcuts, not in HomeKit directly. However, you can easily convert your action in your automation in HomeKit to a Shortcut and add the toggle. Both features are not fully working yet, but we hope they will be available this fall.
Guest access
Guest access is a feature to give guests access to specific devices of your Smart Home. You can give specific access to Garage Openers, Alarm Systems and Door Locks for specific time periods. This access is only available when your guest is near your house, the location is based on the location of the device of your guest. Guest access to HomeKit will only available for the before mentioned categories, so it’s not possible to grant access to specific lights or plugs.
Hands-free unlock
Apple also announced the support for unlocking your door smart lock without the need to grap your phone or keys. With an Ultra Wideband Chip, your iPhone or Apple Watch is able to measure the distance between your device and the Smart Lock and opens the door automatically when you’re within a certain distance of the door lock. It’s similar to Apple Home Key, but without the need to tap your iPhone or Apple Watch. This feature is probably a result of the Aliro standard from the CSA (Connectivity Standards Alliance), focused on easy control of your door locks across different platforms. We don’t expect Hands-free unlock on many Smart Locks soon, as there are currently no Smart Locks available with a UWB chip.
Robot Vacuum Cleaners
Robot Vaccum Cleaners were already available in HomeKit for some brands, but only as a on-off switch. With the official support for Robot Vacuum Cleaners in Apple HomeKit, users can add their device to HomeKit with support for power control, cleaning mode, vacuum, mop and charge status. You can control a Robot Vacuum Cleaners with Siri and include it in automations and scenes. The support for Robot Vacuum Cleaners will be available later this year.
Home Electricity Use
Eligible Pacific Gas and Electric Company users can also connect their utility account to the Home app, allowing them to view their electricity usage and rate plan information. This functionality is only available in the United States.
