Apple has officially announced a postponement regarding the integration of robot vacuum cleaners into its HomeKit system, a feature that was initially expected to be rolled out with updates to iOS 18. This update was initially highlighted during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) held in June, but the timeline has since shifted, with the company now indicating that support will not arrive until early 2025.

According to information from 9to5Mac, the Home app webpage on Apple’s official site had previously suggested that functionality for vacuuming robots would be available later in 2023. However, a recent revision to the webpage has added a footnote confirming that users can expect the feature next year. The footnote states, “Feature will be available in early 2025,” indicating a shift in the expected timeline for users keen on integrating robotic cleaners into their smart home systems.

The anticipated integration follows the formalisation of the Matter 1.2 standard last year, which included provisions for robotic vacuum cleaners. While specific details about the implementation remain sparse, it is expected that users will have the ability to initiate cleaning tasks directly from the Home app or through Siri voice commands. Furthermore, it is anticipated that these vacuuming devices will support automations and scenes using the Home app, making them an integral component of a smart home ecosystem.

Roborock, a notable manufacturer in the robotic vacuum sector, has already committed to incorporating HomeKit support with the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra model. This could signal future advancements from other manufacturers to ensure compatibility with Apple’s HomeKit system.

Beyond the vacuum cleaner integration, a range of additional features introduced in iOS 18 have also faced delays. The first set of features from Apple's Intelligence suite was delayed until October, a month after the initial public release of iOS 18. Apple is currently trialling further AI capabilities within the iOS 18.2 beta, and advancements in Siri's functionality have also been slated for a later release.

For those looking to update their devices, iOS 18 is compatible with the iPhone XR and later models. Users can update their software by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.

Source: Noah Wire Services