Apple has quietly delayed another iOS 18 feature.
Apple’s vision for a smarter home just hit a speed bump. The much-anticipated integration of robot vacuum cleaners into Apple HomeKit, initially slated for late 2024, has been quietly postponed to early 2025. This news, first spotted by MacRumors, comes after Apple updated its HomeKit webpage to reflect the delay.
The move is a disappointment for iOS users who were looking forward to commanding their robot vacuums through Siri or automating floor-cleaning routines as part of Apple’s expanding smart home ecosystem. Initially announced as a feature for iOS 18 earlier this year, robot vacuum support was conspicuously absent from the operating system’s launch. Hopes then shifted to an update in iOS 18.2, rumored to roll out this month, but Apple’s revised timeline dashes those expectations.
What Does This Delay Mean for You?
For those eagerly awaiting the convenience of voice-controlled floor cleaning, this delay means waiting a few more months before asking Siri to “clean the living room.” However, Apple has confirmed that the feature will arrive with robust functionality when it finally debuts in 2025. Here’s what to expect:
- Comprehensive Device Control: Manage power, switch between cleaning modes, and track vacuum or mopping status directly in the Apple Home app.
- Automation & Scenes: Seamlessly integrate your robot vacuum into HomeKit automations, such as triggering a cleaning cycle when you leave the house or setting it as part of a “Goodnight” scene.
- Matter Support: The integration aligns with Apple’s broader adoption of Matter, the smart home standard, which added robot vacuum compatibility in its 1.2 update.
A Bigger Picture of Delays
The pushback isn’t an isolated incident. Apple has also been rolling out its much-touted Apple Intelligence features more slowly than expected. Unveiled at WWDC earlier this year, these updates promise to redefine user interactions with Siri and other Apple services. While iOS 18.1, released in October, introduced a redesigned Siri experience, several high-profile AI features have been staggered across subsequent updates. iOS 18.2, set to debut later this month, is expected to include additional Intelligence features.
Why the Wait?
Apple’s silence on the specifics behind the delay has left room for speculation. Industry experts suggest the postponement could stem from challenges in refining compatibility with Matter or ensuring a seamless user experience. Given Apple’s reputation for prioritizing functionality and security, the company may be taking extra time to ensure the robot vacuum integration lives up to its high standards.
What’s Next for Apple HomeKit?
Despite this hiccup, the future of Apple HomeKit remains promising. Apple is doubling down on smart home innovations, with major upgrades for Siri and deeper integrations with Matter devices on the horizon. By early 2025, robot vacuums will join a growing list of HomeKit-compatible products, enhancing Apple’s ecosystem of smart home gadgets.
While the delay is frustrating, it signals that Apple is committed to delivering a polished and user-friendly experience rather than rushing to meet arbitrary deadlines. For Apple enthusiasts and smart home aficionados, the extra wait might just be worth it.
So, while you may not be able to delegate your cleaning duties to Siri this holiday season, the feature is coming — and it’s shaping up to be a game-changer for Apple’s smart home ecosystem. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple unveils its plans in the coming months!
