Key Takeaways
- Apple Home now supports Matter-enabled robot vacuums from Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs.
- Users can control these vacuums using Siri and integrate them into existing home automation routines.
- Firmware updates for some robot vacuum models are expected to be released by early April 2025 to enable compatibility.
Apple Home Embraces Robot Vacuums
With the rollout of iOS 18.4, Apple Home has officially gained the ability to control select Matter-enabled robot vacuums. This includes models from well-known brands such as Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs. The functionality allows users to command their robot vacuums directly through Siri, creating a more seamless smart home experience.
Initially, Apple had promised this feature by the end of 2024, but the update has launched slightly ahead of schedule. Users can now integrate their eligible robot vacuum into Apple Home and even automate cleaning routines. For instance, a user could set their vacuum to clean the living room and kitchen while they are away on Wednesdays.
To utilize this new feature, it’s important to note that users may need to update their robot vacuums. Roborock has announced firmware updates that will enable compatibility with Apple Home for models including the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Saros Z70, and others. These updates are expected to roll out by early April 2025.
Ecovacs and iRobot models will likely require their own software updates, and Apple plans to provide further information on those as it becomes available. The addition of robot vacuum control is a significant improvement to Apple’s smart home offerings and enhances the capabilities of the Apple ecosystem.
The long-awaited introduction of AI advancements, referred to as Apple Intelligence, is also anticipated. This could further revolutionize smart home control, alongside the potential debut of a smart display model of HomePod. These advancements signal Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience in the smart home space, promising more innovative features in the near future.
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