The 5 coolest Apple Home features coming to iOS 18

Apple's latest version of iOS, iOS 18, is launching with some exciting new features for HomeKit and Apple Home.

The tech giant has announced a number of updated features for HomeKit and its Home app, set to arrive with the latest version of its iOS software. Among these new features, there are 5 promising ones: Robot vacuum control, guest access, hands-free unlocking, power use, and Spatial Audio for Airplay.

1. Control the vacuum cleaner robot

One of the coolest aspects of owning a robot vacuum cleaner is the ability to start it without leaving the sofa. Many companies offer assistive apps with this capability, but it's not as exciting as saying, 'Hey Siri, vacuum the living room' . That's where voice control comes into play.

With Apple's new robot vacuum control feature, HomeKit enthusiasts will be able to use Siri to start the vacuum cleaner by voice. They will also be able to add their cleaning robot to HomeKit automations.

While this is exciting news, Apple seems to be a bit slow. Google Home and Amazon Alexa already provide this capability to some extent. However, for those invested in HomeKit as their smart home platform, this update promises to fill a gap in a comprehensive ecosystem.

If you're wondering whether your vacuum cleaner is supported, currently no major robot vacuum manufacturer reports full compatibility with iOS 18. Part of the problem may be regarding Matter 1.2 deployment. According to a press release from the Connectivity Standards Alliance, of which Apple is a member, Matter 1.2 recently added support for more device types, including robot vacuums. Matter 1.3, released in May, brings additional features.

Apple's announcement about robot vacuum control then seemed to imply that Matter 1.2 and 1.3 would play a role in the iOS 18 rollout. It's a big step toward additional support for the device. Matter in Apple Home.

On the other hand, Apple has not yet officially announced that these new HomeKit features will be based on the updated Matter standard. Even if that's a reasonable assumption. Likewise, most robot vacuum manufacturers have yet to implement Matter 1.2 or 1.3 into their current products.

The exception is Roborock. The Roborock website claims an OTA update for Matter on the S8 series is coming soon. More manufacturers are expected to announce iOS 18 compatibility as the fall release approaches.

2. Guest access and activity history

Apple's new guest access feature is another first for the HomeKit team. According to Apple's press release, you can now 'specify access to door locks, garage doors, and alarm systems' .

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 track comings and goings around your home - even when you're away. The current version of Activity History for Developers records the dates, times, and devices accessed on a rolling basis. It sorts them chronologically and groups them by date.

If you don't want Apple to monitor your smart locks and garage doors, you can easily turn off Activity History in the Home app.

3. Unlock hands-free with the Home key

Have you ever had to fumble for your keys while carrying a pile of groceries? The Hands-Free Unlock feature can be useful in this case. This new Apple Home feature promises easy, automatic door unlocking within a distance of 6 feet. Apple's iOS 18 announcement said the feature would be based on ultra-wideband technology - a communication protocol known for its security and low power usage.

It's still too early to know which manufacturers will officially support this feature. However, like controlling a robotic vacuum cleaner, expect major smart lock users to update the services as Apple gets closer to the official iOS 18 release date.

4. Use electricity

To be more frugal, Apple's new electricity usage feature provides detailed information about how much electricity your smart home uses. Apple's official renders showcase a surprisingly detailed set of data, including daily energy usage tracking.

There are even highlights of peak and off-peak usage percentages as well as suggested "Energy Actions" to help cut bills.

If you're someone who wants to know exactly where your monthly electricity bill is being spent, this new addition might get you excited.

Apple said it is working with local power companies to help provide this data. If you're looking to save money on your energy bills in the meantime, you can start by optimizing the settings on your home's thermostat.

5. Airplay Spatial Audio

The last feature has more to do with the entertainment aspect of a smart home than 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 lineup, offering a more immersive audio entertainment experience. Apple claims that the new AirPlay Spatial Audio product supports Dolby Atmos and works with both HomePod as well as 'compatible third-party devices'. This feature arrives alongside several other entertainment-focused updates as Apple improves tvOS 18.

Overall, these five great new features show that Apple has big plans for the smart home experience of the future. Unfortunately, if you're not a developer, you'll need to be patient until Apple releases the public beta of iOS 18.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 22 June 2024