If you're someone who enjoys automating every corner of your home, you've probably noticed that Apple's ecosystem has been quietly moving, but now it's dropped several bombshells. The transition from what we knew as HomeKit towards the new experience of Apple Home It's not just a name change, but a technical evolution to make everything flow better and be more compatible with other standards.
The arrival of iOS 18 brought with it features that seemed straight out of a science fiction movie, especially thanks to artificial intelligence. From controlling cleaning supplies to much smarter security management, Apple's home automation It is trying to close the gap with its direct competitors, making the experience more natural and less tedious.
The Apple Intelligence Revolution in Security
One of the strongest features is the implementation of Apple Intelligence in the Home app. Now, security cameras don't just record; they also... They generate written summaries about what's happening. Instead of watching ten clips, the AI ​​tells you that "a dog has fallen asleep in the hallway" or that "two people have entered the kitchen," analyzing movement and recognizing objects, animals, and vehicles.
In addition, the system is capable of linking events from different chambersIf someone crosses the garden and then goes through the door, the app interprets it as the same action and groups the videos together. For those of us with photo libraries full of familiar faces, the facial recognition It allows alerts to tell us exactly who has arrived home, including their first and last name.
If you're looking for a specific clip, you no longer have to scroll endlessly. Now you can... natural language searches through Spotlight or the Home app itself, asking, for example, when the Amazon package arrived. On the other hand, notifications have become smarter, grouping related alerts so that the iPhone doesn't vibrate every two seconds, thus reducing digital fatigue.
In terms of hardware, there has been a qualitative leap allowing compatible cameras to record and transmit in 4K resolutionbreaking the 1080p barrier. To enjoy this, remember that you need a plan of iCloud +where storage determines how many cameras you can have active, from a single one in the basic plan to an unlimited number in the 2 TB plans.
Vacuum Cleaner Support and Access Control
The moment many of us have been waiting for has finally arrived: the stand for robot vacuum cleanersApple has created a specific category, allowing us to manage suction power, cleaning mode, and monitor battery level. Although this relies on the standard Matter 1.2We are likely to see updates from manufacturers to integrate their current models even if they are not native to Matter.
In the access security section, it is now possible to create Digital guest keysThis is ideal if you rent out your home or have frequent visitors, as you can grant temporary access to the lock or garage. For this to work, a [missing information - likely a specific device or system] is essential. HomePod or Apple TV as a command center and a Matter-compatible lock, as is the case with certain Aqara or Nuki models.
Another interesting detail is the unattended opening via the chip. Ultra WidebandThe idea is that the door will open automatically as you approach, allowing you to enter without taking out your phone if you're carrying shopping bags. However, this feature needs thorough testing to avoid any issues. the door opens by itself while you're just passing by.
System Settings and Interface Changes
The Home app has received a facelift, although for some it may seem insufficient. The most noticeable change is in the bottom menu, where there have been reorganized the Automations And the Discover section has been moved. At the system level, the Control Center is now much more flexible, allowing us customize shortcuts to the devices we use most without depending on Apple's selection.
For lighting enthusiasts, the following has been introduced: adaptive lightingIf you have compatible light bulbs (like those from Nanoleaf), the color temperature will change automatically throughout the day to reduce eye strain and adapt to your circadian rhythm, which is a blessing if you work from home.
Technical features have also been added, such as Energy tabwhere smart plugs display electricity consumption in real time, although for now it's not possible to create automations based on this data. Furthermore, we can now update Apple TV remotely from the Home app, just like we did with the HomePod.
Goodbye to the Old HomeKit and the Migration
One critical point we cannot overlook is that Apple has definitively withdrawn support for the old HomeKit architecture. This means that iPads no longer serve as a hub to control the home. Now, a HomePod or Apple TV is required for the ecosystem to function correctly.
This transition to the new version of Apple Home, which began in 2023, has become mandatory to ensure stability and support for MatterTo maintain connectivity, it's vital to ensure your devices have updated versions of iOS, macOS, or watchOS. Essentially, Apple has decided to clear the way for this. Thread 1.4 connectivity Make devices pair faster and the network much more reliable.
Apple has transformed its home automation system by integrating artificial intelligence to make cameras truly useful and expanding its compatibility with appliances like vacuum cleaners. The mandatory migration to the new Apple Home architecture, centered on the use of hubs like Apple TV and the Matter standard, ensures a more stable and faster home, leaving behind the old HomeKit structure to make way for a more seamless and automated experience.
