The upcoming iOS 9 may include a new "Home" app that will help users manage their smart homes.
Apple introduced the HomeKit at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2014. HomeKit enables a user to configure, communicate and control various home devices.
"HomeKit is a framework in iOS 8 for communicating with and controlling connected accessories in a user's home. You can enable users to discover HomeKit accessories in their home and configure them, or you can create actions to control those devices. Users can group actions together and trigger them using Siri," per Apple.
Rumors suggest that the speculated Home app is a continuation to the HomeKit, which will be designed in a way to manage the company's partners' smart home products. Market observers suggest that the Home app may be revealed by Apple in this year's WWDC.
Speculations suggest that the Home app will be able to wirelessly detect and set up compatible HomeKit devices. The rumored app is also expected to create a virtual representation of individual rooms in a home for easy connectivity to HomeKit devices.
The Home app may utilize Apple TV for connecting various HomeKit devices in a home. The app may also offer a number of screens for users to find latest HomeKit devices.
HomeKit can partly rely on the upcoming Home app for securely managing a connected smart home that is full of HomeKit compatible accessories.
Some rumors also suggest that the Home app currently has very minimal functionality and is being tested by a group of Apple employees only. Some market observers suggest that with such minimal functionality, it is likely that the app may not show up at this year's WWDC. The rumored Home app may only be meant for usage by Apple employees and Apple may get customers to control their HomeKit devices only via Siri and other App Store apps.
While HomeKit is already available, compatible accessories are still to make their way to the shelves. Recently, Apple revealed that some HomeKit compatible accessories will be available in June this year.
"HomeKit has been available for just a few months and we already have dozens of partners who have committed to bringing HomeKit accessories to market and we're looking forward to the first ones coming next month," says Trudy Muller, an Apple spokeswoman.
Apple has not yet specified where the HomeKit accessories will be sold.
Photo: Andrew | Flickr
