HomeKit
HomeKit, also known as Apple Home,[1] is a software framework and communication protocol developed by Apple Inc. that lets users configure, communicate with and control smart-home appliances using Apple devices.[2] It provides users with a way to automatically discover such devices and configure them.[2] By designing rooms, items and actions in HomeKit, users can enable automations in the home through a voice command to Siri or through the Home app.[3] With HomeKit, developers are able to create complex applications in order to manage accessories at a high level.[2]
Other names
Overview[edit]
HomeKit was first introduced on iPhones and iPads on September 17, 2014, with iOS 8. The framework allowed third-party apps to interface with HomeKit devices using Siri and allow remote access through home hubs.[4]
HomeKit was created to make tasks inside the home easier and provide users with methods and tools to change and adapt certain home capabilities to their specific desires.[2] HomeKit manages connected home appliances through the HomeKit Accessory Protocol (HAP). Messages from HomeKit are continuously sent to powered devices, which incorporate fields which recognize the specific accessory and what category it is under. Each category has a code that is used to identify what the device is. It also identifies with the Global State Number (GSN). This number is increased each time that the state of the accessory is altered. Like most Apple devices, Apple Continuity Protocols are used. Continuity protocols consist of wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. They can be conducted through device-to-device connection.[5]
HomeKit uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi protocols.[6] On HomePods and some Apple TVs, Thread is also used to connect and communicate with devices.[7] Manufacturers of HomeKit-enabled devices are required to enroll in the MFi Program.[8] Apple also used to provide documentation for creating non-commercial HomeKit accessories to any member of the Apple Developer Programme.[9] Initially, all HomeKit-based products were required to include an encryption co-processor.[10] The latter requirement was later changed in iOS 11, which added support for software-based authentication.[11] Equipment manufactured without HomeKit support can be enabled for use through a "gateway" product, such as a bridge that connects those devices to the HomeKit service.[12]
HomeKit primarily competes with smart home standards from Amazon and Google. As of October 2019, Apple lists 450 devices compatible with HomeKit, compared to 10,000 for Google and 85,000 for Amazon.[13]
Matter support[edit]
On December 18, 2019, Apple announced that it will be working closely with Samsung, Amazon, and Google to create an open standard for smart home automation called Matter.[27] Matter aims to reduce fragmentation across different vendors, and achieve interoperability among smart home devices and Internet of things (IoT) platforms from different providers.[28] The project was delayed to fall 2022 due to "unprecedented interest" by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA).[29] Version 1.0 of Matter was published on the October 4, 2022.[30] Matter has been supported by Apple devices since iOS 16.1 and its forks.[31]