During its keynote at WWDC 2024, Apple briefly mentioned its smart home platform. Now, users of Apple Home can enjoy the new updates in the first beta version of iOS 18.
A new feature has been added to the Home app in iOS 18 that allows users to specify the primary device for the HomeKit system, whether it is an Apple TV or HomePods. By selecting the device, the system controls smart devices in the home using only that device, using an alternative device only if the primary device is unavailable.
An innovative solution to the issue of running a smart home over Wi-Fi network via HomePod, especially when using an Apple TV with Ethernet connection. The iOS 18 beta version allows users to choose their preferred primary hub, eliminating the need to rely on Apple’s automatic selection as the default option.
This update allows users to run automation processes on the Apple Home platform via an Apple TV connected via Ethernet instead of a HomePod connected wirelessly. This is done to improve the speed and reliability of the smart home system.
Apple’s Home hub, like the HomePod or Apple TV, enables the creation of automation commands and remote control of devices, as well as support for local processing of secure HomeKit video cameras via the Apple smart home platform.
People who owned multiple Apple TV or HomePods devices felt frustrated due to the inability to choose the hub on which the system relies, as Apple automatically selected the most suitable hub for the task without consulting the users’ preferences.
When using the Apple Home app by default in previous versions or in versions that rely on wireless networks, users faced many issues such as slow automation processes and low reliability of the smart home system.
Prior to the recent update, the only way to specify Apple Home’s use of a specific hub was to isolate all other hubs. However, the system frequently reverted to its original configuration once devices were reconnected. Despite being able to disable the Home Hub function via an Apple TV, it could not be done via HomePod.
Thanks to the iOS 18 update, Apple Home users can now enjoy full control of their smart homes, helping them improve performance and increase reliability.
