Robot Vacuum Support for Apple HomeKit Delayed Until Early 2025
For those eagerly awaiting the ability to control their robot vacuums via Siri and Apple’s HomeKit, the wait just got a bit longer. A subtle but important update to the Apple Home product page indicates that the much-anticipated support for robot vacuums will now arrive in “early 2025” instead of the expected iOS 18.2 release slated for December 2024.
The delay follows Apple’s promise made at its annual developer conference in June, where it revealed plans to incorporate robot vacuum functionality into its HomeKit ecosystem. The feature was expected to allow Siri users to issue commands like “Start cleaning the living room” and integrate vacuum operations into their HomeKit automations—automatically triggering cleaning tasks when certain conditions are met, such as when everyone leaves the house.
Despite the delay, smart home enthusiasts are hopeful that robot vacuum support will coincide with the potential release of a new Apple device—a touchscreen-equipped HomePod designed to act as a “command center” for smart home controls. This device, powered by Apple Intelligence, is rumored to enable users to easily manage their robot vacuum with a simple tap, providing a more intuitive interface for smart home management.
Robot vacuum support was also added to the Matter smart home standard earlier in 2024, with several Matter-compliant vacuums already available. Once Apple activates its support for these devices in HomeKit, users will have even more options for controlling their vacuums seamlessly with their iPhones or through automations. Although this delay is a bit of a setback, it signals a promising year ahead for Apple’s growing role in the smart home space.