HomeKit and the Home app are not particularly in focus in iOS 15. Nevertheless, a few interesting improvements have been made.
iOS 15 introduces a new service called iCloud+ that offers privacy-based features like iCloud Private Relay and Hide Email Address, but also makes improvements to HomeKit Secure Video. Specifically, with iCloud+, Apple is increasing the number of HomeKit Secure Video cameras supported with each iCloud subscription. There are no price changes to the iCloud storage plans, they are just being raised to iCloud+. The 50GB iCloud+ storage plan for $0.99 per month includes support for one HomeKit Secure Video camera, which is an improvement since previously the 200GB plan was required to use HomeKit Secure Video.
end-to-end encrypted
The 200 GB iCloud+ plan for €2.99 per month, which previously supported one camera, allows users to record with five HomeKit Secure Video cameras simultaneously. The 2 TB iCloud+ storage plan, which costs €9.99 per month, even supports an unlimited number of HomeKit Secure Video cameras - previously only five. All HomeKit Secure Video recordings stored in iCloud are secure and end-to-end encrypted. The camera recordings do not count towards the total iCloud storage space you have available. So to use HomeKit Secure Video, you need at least the 50 GB storage plan and a HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV or an iPad that serves as a home hub for your HomeKit devices.
packet detection
HomeKit Secure Video already supports person detection to limit motion alerts, but with iOS 15, security cameras and video doorbells that support HomeKit Secure Video can detect a package delivery and notify you when the package you're waiting for is left at your front door.
HomeKit key
HomeKit-enabled door locks that support iOS 15's new Home Keys feature can store a digital key in the Wallet app. The digital key can be used to tap to unlock a compatible lock, so you don't need an app from the manufacturer to use the digital unlock features. Home Keys can be accessed on iPhone or Apple Watch through the Wallet app.
Time-based Siri commands
In iOS 15, Siri can be used to control a HomeKit device at a specific time. So if you want your living room lights to turn off at 11pm, you can say "Hey Siri, turn off the living room lights at 11pm." This feature uses the automation option in the Home app. So every time you ask Siri to control a HomeKit device at a specific time, she creates an automation. You can view the automations in the Automation section of the Home app and delete them if necessary.
Siri-enabled third-party accessories
Third-party HomeKit accessory manufacturers can now integrate Siri functionality into their devices. However, the person using the device must have a HomePod that can be used to forward requests. This functionality must be implemented by the manufacturers and will therefore not be available directly at the launch of iOS 15. available But with Siri integration, you can ask any compatible product in your home to send messages, set reminders, contact family members, control devices, and more. (Photo by hadrian / Bigstockphoto)
