HomeKit Compatibility Is Coming to Smart Devices Through Firmware Updates

The [amazon_textlink asin=’B01NBI0A6R’ text=’Wemo Mini smart plug’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’idropncom0a-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c0f385bc-8c4f-11e8-b821-9d2fdcdbf506′] has become the first third-party device to receive Apple’s new HomeKit software authentication.

A new firmware update rolling out this week will let users add HomeKit software authentication to their devices without the need for a physical authentication chip, Wemo announced on Thursday.

When the firmware update hits, users will be able to add their Mini Smart Plugs to the Apple Home app, control them with the app or Siri voice commands, and integrate them into their larger HomeKit ecosystem — again, without the need for a smart home bridge.

“We have sold more than one million Wemo Minis and with Apple’s new software authentication of HomeKit, our customers can easily integrate their Wemo devices with the Apple home app and Siri, to enjoy the full Apple experience of home control,” said Justin Doucette, Wemo’s senior director of product management.

Previously, Apple required that HomeKit devices come equipped with a physical authentication chip that allowed for hardware-based encryption. These chips were expensive, which led most manufacturers to simply install them into a single bridge or hub product — rather than individual smart home accessories.

At WWDC ’17, however, Apple announced that it would allow third-party manufacturers to simply add software authentication to their devices.

As a result, a much wider range of smart home gadgets could incorporate direct HomeKit support. And Apple hinted that older devices could be brought into the fold through firmware updates.

Of course, only the Wemo Mini will be able to be implemented into the Home app without a hub — at least currently. Users will still need a [amazon_textlink asin=’B076J5MDYS’ text=’Wemo Bridge’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’idropncom0a-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7896c859-8c50-11e8-afcc-a3b411a0cfac’] to add other Wemo devices into their home automation setup. But Wemo says it’ll continue to retroactively add HomeKit authentication support to its other devices later this year.

And the Wemo Mini is just the first. It’s likely that more third-party vendors and manufacturers will add HomeKit software authentication to their own products moving forward, including retroactively adding support to older products.

While setting up a full home automation system is becoming easier than ever, you might not know where to start. If you’d like some pointers, you can check out our guide for the best essential home automation products currently on the market.