Apple introduced the HomeKit together with the launch of iOS 8, and with it allowed users to take control of various smart devices around their home which include light bulbs and thermostats. Its framework was mainly aimed for assisting third party developers in building apps for the purpose of smart home automation. The Cupertino, California-based tech giant is now reportedly focusing their efforts in building a standalone HomeKit app when iOS 10 launches.
Apple Unified HomeKit App Reportedly to be Released With iOS 10
Although HomeKit from Apple was, and still is useful, there are many who are frustrated as users would have to take control of multiple apps just to take control of specific devices. Therefore, many would want a unified app instead of shifting through different apps again and again.
The effort of being an Apple Unified HomeKit app is coming from a similar note that conceptualized the Health app. With regards to the Healthkit framework and with that of the Health app, both of these were also introduced when iOS 8 rolled in. For the latter, what it essentially does is that it collects all the information from third party apps so that it will display it in a single app. Therefore, the Home app should also do the same, and it aims to be as what reports claim. In simpler words, users will now be able to turn their smart bulbs on and off, open their doors, close their blinds, or switch on the active thermostat with the use of that single mobile application.
In a report by MacRumors, this dedicated app will be released with the launch of the iOS 10 which is expected to be shown this September. This information was mistakenly leaked through an Amazon Reviewer of whom that person claims that he works for Apple’s marketing team. In that review portion, he discloses information about the tech giant’s plans to release a standalone HomeKit app with the coming of the next major version of the iOS.
The review in question states the following: “As I work in marketing for Apple, we test many Smart Home devices, especially for iOS HomeKit integration. Some advice, there are many third party applications, most free, that offer more control and customization(s) with many Smart Home devices. “Yonomi” is a free app that I often use, “Home” is another which cost $14.99. Both offer support for many devices with more added daily (including Amazon “Echo”). The next version of iOS due this fall will have a standalone “HomeKit” app as well.”