HomePass is an essential app for users of HomeKit and Matter, simplifying the management of your accessories. This week, developer Aaron Pearce has launched HomePass 2, a complete overhaul of the application featuring numerous fantastic enhancements for HomeKit fans.
The core function of HomePass, which is available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, is to provide a centralized location for storing your HomeKit accessory setup codes. The new version takes that concept to the next level.
In a recent blog post, Pearce mentions that the total rewrite of HomePass is designed to enable much swifter syncing via Apple’s CloudKit framework.
One of the standout new features in HomePass is labeled “Maintenance.” This functionality allows you to easily monitor and manage your accessories while being able to synchronize modifications directly with the Apple Home app:
Beyond the basic rewrite elements, HomePass 2 brings some excellent new features, with my personal favorite being what I refer to as “Maintenance”.
Now, HomePass lets you efficiently maintain your saved accessories, homes, and rooms by providing synchronization from Apple Home. It will still request confirmation since you may not want automatic synchronization to unintentionally alter or delete data you wish to keep.
You can now also append attachments such as notes, images, files, or links directly to your accessory information stored in HomePass.
HomePass 2 additionally supports QR codes and bridged devices comprehensively:
- Comprehensive QR code functionality. The application now defaults to showing a QR code wherever feasible for pairing. Only codes that are manually inputted or scanned from text will appear as text only, providing a much cleaner experience.
- Bridged devices can now be stored, enabling you to save them along with their related information, which is particularly beneficial for Hue devices that can be paired with their Hue bridge using serial numbers.
With this update, HomePass is transitioning to a subscription model. A new HomePass+ subscription is available for $1.99 per month or $9.99 annually. There is also a lifetime purchase option priced at $39.99. Upgrading to HomePass+ is necessary to access all features and to add more than three accessories.
If you have previously purchased HomePass, you will receive all functionalities of the app without any additional charge:
As an existing user prior to this update, you’ll retain everything you had before in addition to all new 2.0 features for free. I stand by my promise; you paid once, and you get what was offered before plus even more. (If it’s not appearing in the app, please use the in-app support with your proof of purchase and I’ll assist you).
This is a commendable approach to transitioning to a subscription-based pricing system. HomePass 2 can be downloaded for free on the App Store.
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