HomeKit and Siri Shortcuts

Apple didn’t have much to say about new user-facing HomeKit features, focusing instead on HomKit security and privacy enhancements such as encrypted cloud storage for security camera videos and intelligent routers.

It appears, however, that there will also be some welcome improvements to HomeKit automations, including support for including AirPlay 2 speakers and Siri shortcuts in Home automation routines. It’s our hope that this will allow for much more sophisticated home automation routines that can not only control lights and thermostats, but also play and stop music. Apple’s list of iOS 13 features also included a reference to “refreshed Home accessory controls” although it’s less clear exactly what that means, and may simply indicate a visual redesign.

The mention of Siri shortcuts is the most interesting, however, since the phrasing implies that a home automation routine will be able to trigger a Siri shortcut. If this means what we think it means, this will be a huge upgrade for home automation enthusiasts, since it opens up a massive world of new possibilities — just think about anything you can do with a Siri shortcut now being able to be triggered by changing conditions in your home.