MacLife

HomeKit in iOS 11

Apple’s HomeKit software for home automation has actually been around since 2014, when it was launched as part of iOS 8. But the first version of HomeKit was buried deep inside iOS, and the smart home revolution was somewhat ignored. So, with iOS 10, Apple introduced a new Home app, which acted as a visible central control point for HomeKit devices.

The Home app was updated with iOS 11 in 2017, to provide new automation controls — but also to work with the forthcoming HomePod smart speaker. Many manufacturers have updated existing smart devices to work with HomeKit, and we’re starting to see new security cameras, sensors and other smart hardware that can now be controlled with HomeKit.

MAKING A SCENE

Whenever you buy a home automation device — such

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