The Home app in iOS 18 allows HomeKit users who have more than one device that serves as a home hub to select which one should be used as the preferred hub. It is a small but useful change because it prevents HomeKit from choosing a hub that is further away from most HomeKit products or that has a weaker connection.
In iOS 17 and earlier, there has been no way to select a home hub, and HomeKit has picked randomly. That can lead to connectivity issues in some situations. For those who do not care about which home hub HomeKit selects, Automatic Selection remains an option.
The Apple TV and the HomePod are able to serve as home hubs, but the option to set a preferred hub seems to be limited to the Apple TV as of right now, because Apple has not yet provided a HomePod beta to developers.
Other features coming in HomeKit include Customize Access for managing how and when people access devices like alarm systems, door locks, and garage door openers, with support for guest schedules. There's also a new Express Mode for unlocking door locks automatically as you approach, and support for robot vacuum cleaners is set to come later this year.
FCC filings reveal the designs of three upcoming LG smart home accessories that Apple reportedly helped develop, including a thermostat, a temperature sensor, and a deadbolt lock.
Yesterday, Bloomberg reported that Apple is working with LG Electronics on accessories for its upcoming home hub and other home products, citing regulatory documents without sharing the filings. FCC records MacRumor...
Apple is working to revamp HomeKit amid a new push into the smart home market, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In a report that detailed the impending launch of next-generation Apple TV and HomePod mini models, as well as Apple's all-new smart home hub, Gurman said that the company is developing broader smart-home ecosystem software for its devices.
Apple apparently plans to expand ...
Smart home accessories that Apple reportedly helped LG develop could offer iPhone proximity controls and a way to begin setup before the devices have power, according to findings shared by the leaker known as "pdfu."
The findings concern the upcoming LG-branded accessory range that Bloomberg revealed earlier this week. The lineup reportedly includes a thermostat, temperature sensor, deadbolt ...
This was already a thing? I have 2 Apple TVs. Enabled one as the hub while the other is disabled...
Yes. It's a thing. Come back and report when you have > 10+ Homepods and Apple TVs and running dozens of Thread, Matter and standard Homekit devices in a mash WIFI Network and not 2 Apple TVs and one Homekit Light bulb in a 25 sqft student shoe box. Thank you.
Every single time my HomeKit gets slow it always ends up being some random HomePod or older Apple TV taking over from my wired, latest-model Apple TV. I'm so glad they're finally making this change.
Now if the other HomePods could somehow understand when an alarm is going off on another and you want it to stop it should stop it vs saying "there's no alarm set on HomePod". Lack of interaction between them is maddening sometimes.
That option is totally not available on my beta version of iOS 18.
Both iOS and tvOS need be on the betas for the option to appear. If you're still not seeing the option, Apple Intelligence is deciding if you deserve the feature yet. It's already starting.
