[Discussion] Apple Delays HomeKit Robot Vacuum Support to 2025

[Uncrowned Guard]

Apple Postpones HomeKit Robot Vacuum Integration to 2025

In a subtle but notable change, the timeline for Apple Home's support of robot vacuum cleaners has been extended to 2025. MacRumors revealed via an update on Apple's official HomeKit website by well-known tech outlet MacRumors. Following an initial announcement indicating that robot vacuum cleaners would receive Home support with the rollout of iOS 18, the tech behemoth has now suggested that users will have to wait until the early months of 2025 for this feature.

Revised Timeline for HomeKit Updates

The company had initially communicated that HomeKit updates would be finalized by the close of 2024. As the launch of iOS 18 approached, speculations were rife that the much-anticipated robot vacuum support could come earlier, possibly alongside the release of iOS 18.2, scheduled for late this month. This move, however, now seems to be off the cards, with the revised timeline pushing the date farther into the future.

A Sneak Peek into Future Functionality

Once live, the new integration will allow users to control key functionalities of their robot vacuum cleaners through Siri or manually with HomeKit controls. These include features like switching power modes, selecting between vacuuming and mopping, and checking the device's charge status. By 2025, the floor cleaning devices will be fully compatible with a wide range of functions like scenes, automation, and voice-controlled commands.

While Apple hasn't released detailed information, it's believed that this feature set is part of Apple Home's Matter support. This will include the ability of robot vacuum cleaners to connect to Matter 1.2, a key advancement in smart home technology.

Recent Delays in Software Updates

The deferment of robot vacuum support isn't a standalone instance. Recently, there have been other delays in software enhancements, particularly in the iOS 18 features that were previewed at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) earlier this year. Following these delays, some redesigned functionalities of Siri and other Apple Intelligence features were introduced with the release of iOS 18.1. More features are expected with the impending release of iOS 18.2, and it also appears that Siri has larger updates in the pipeline over the next few months.

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[Paige]

I still wasn't going to vacuum 😅