Apple has released an open source version of the HomeKit Accessory Development Kit (ADK). This move is intended to support the new initiative to develop an open standard for smart home devices.
The Cupertino-based company announced yesterday in a press release its participation in the “Connected Home over IP” project. The aim of the working group is to create an open standard for smart home devices. Apple has now commented on the open source HomeKit ADK version with a separate post on its own developer website. It states:
To accelerate development of the new universal standard, Apple is releasing parts of its HomeKit Accessory Development Kit (ADK). HomeKit has grown to be the most comprehensive, powerful and secure smart home platform available on more than a billion iOS and iPadOS devices. HomeKit and the Home app are designed from the ground up to protect customer data, using innovative privacy technologies and techniques to minimize the amount of data anyone—including Apple—can access, as well as powerful security features to protect personal information. By open sourcing HomeKit technology, Apple will help drive the initiative forward and ultimately provide customers with an even better experience. Releasing the ADK means anyone can start developing non-commercial smart home accessories and even build HomeKit devices for their own home, while it will allow accessory makers to test products before officially joining the HomeKit MFi program, which can be a time-consuming process, not to mention an expensive endeavor.
Apple
According to Apple, the HomeKit accessory protocol will be brought into the new consortium - existing HomeKit accessories will continue to work even after the new protocol is available. The company confirmed that the HAP (HomeKit Accessory Protocol) for communication with smart home accessories in its own ecosystem will continue to be supported. (Photo by pozitivo / Bigstockphoto)
