Today, Apple has introduced the first beta of iOS 18.3 for developers, just five days after releasing iOS 18.2 to the general public. One significant addition in this update is the Home app’s compatibility with a new category of devices.
Introducing a New Device Category in iOS 18.3
During WWDC in June, Apple announced the upcoming support for robot vacuums within the Home app as part of iOS 18.
While robot vacuums were initially anticipated for the iOS 18 launch in September, they did not make the cut. There were plans for them to be included in iOS 18.2, but those did not come to fruition either.
For a time, Apple’s website hinted that this feature would be available ‘Later this year.’
However, just recently, this timeline was subtly revised to indicate a delay, now stating, ‘Coming in an update.’
As pointed out by Aaron Perris on X, iOS 18.3 is set to introduce support for this previously delayed feature, as evidenced by a range of new code included in the first beta of iOS 18.3.
The addition of robot vacuum support in the Home app brings several functionalities, as outlined on Apple’s website:
The Home app incorporates essential features of robot vacuum cleaners, including power control, cleaning modes, vacuuming, mopping, and charge status. They can also be integrated into automations and scenes, and interact with Siri. This allows you to incorporate them into your cleaning routines or request Siri to perform spot cleaning in the living room.
It’s important to note that since iOS 18.3 is still in its early beta stage, there is a possibility that robot vacuum support might be removed before the official release. Nonetheless, its inclusion in this initial beta is a promising sign, aligning with expectations after the feature narrowly missed the iOS 18.2 launch.
When iOS 18.3 is officially released early next year, Apple is hopefully poised to announce promising news regarding device manufacturers backing HomeKit for their robot vacuums.
Are you looking forward to the addition of robot vacuum compatibility in the Home app? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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