A Smarter Home App
Due to its focus on privacy, HomeKit offers a secure smart home platform that integrates well with Apple devices. Unfortunately, these same privacy measures can also restrict features, driving users to seek out other platforms that may be less secure or harder to use.
For example, cameras added to the Home app lose much of their functionality. Apple says this improves privacy, but in reality, it frustrates users and may cause them to use a less secure app instead. Functionality currently missing from HomeKit cameras includes motor controls (pan/tilt), 4K resolution, motion tracking, and other detection services.
iOS could allow users to choose from a wider selection of products and features by simply warning of privacy concerns.
Other functionality we hope comes to Home in iOS 18 includes support for smart appliances, the option to add alternate names to devices and scenes (to improve voice recognition), and the ability to archive unused scenes and seasonal devices.