iOS 18.4 With iOS 16, Apple rolled out a revamped architecture for the Home app, designed to enhance the HomeKit device experience. Up until now, switching to this new setup has been a choice, but Apple is gearing up to make it mandatory for everyone soon with the release of iOS 18.4. Filipe Espósito for 9to5Mac: ‎ Code seen by 9to5Mac in iOS 18.4 beta 3, which was released to developers on Monday, suggests that the Home app will no longer work with the old HomeKit architecture. One of the new strings added to the system warns users that support for the old version of Apple Home “will end soon” and that they need to “update now to avoid interruptions”…

Apple is expected to release iOS 18.4 in early April, and when it does, users with HomeKit devices still running on the old Home app architecture may be forced to upgrade them to the latest software. Apple has offered users the option to upgrade to new Home architecture since March 2023 when it released iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, and macOS Ventura 13.3. At the time, Apple said the new architecture brings faster, more reliable performance, especially for smart homes with a lot of smart accessories installed. However, not all users were entirely convinced of its stability, mainly because it was actually the return of the update's availability after Apple temporarily pulled it in December 2022. Apple's decision came after reports…

The smart home thermostat company Ecobee today announced that its new Smart Thermostat Essential is now available to order on its website, and at select retailers in the U.S. and Canada. The thermostat was unveiled at CES 2025 in January. In the U.S., the Smart Thermostat Essential is priced at $129.99, making it Ecobee's most affordable smart thermostat. Ecobee's smart thermostat can help you save money by intelligently optimizing your home's temperature. For example, the thermostat can reduce energy usage while you are away from home. When paired with Ecobee's SmartSensors, the thermostat can detect occupancy and optimize comfort in certain rooms throughout the home. Ecobee claims the thermostat can pay for itself by helping you spend up to 23%…

Smart home company Eve today announced the launch of the Eve Dimmer Switch, the company's first smart light switch replacement with dimming functionality. The Dimmer Switch replaces a traditional light switch and it can be used with standard bulbs and lights that have dimming functionality. The Dimmer Switch has a rocker for turning lights on or off, along with touch support for incremental dimming control. It connects to HomeKit using Matter-over-Thread, and it can be controlled with the Eve app, the Apple Home app, or with Siri voice commands. As with all ‌HomeKit‌ devices, automations are supported, and the Dimmer Switch can be paired with other smart home products. Remote control is available, and with Matter support, people in your…

Eve Dimmer Switch, coming in March, offers Apple users a sophisticated option for smart lighting control that integrates with HomeKit. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Apple reportedly picked the companies to supply the display for a screen-equipped HomePod now in development. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)