Apple released iOS 18.4 to everyone this week, and it comes with a big upgrade to the Home app. With iOS 18.4, users can now add robot vacuums to HomeKit for the first time thanks to the Matter smart home standard.
Here are the best robot vacuums compatible with HomeKit in iOS 18.4…
What can you do with a robot vacuum in HomeKit?
Once you add a compatible robot vacuum to the Home app, you’ll see the device alongside all your other HomeKit accessories.
You can integrate your robot vacuum with different automations and scenes in the Home app. You can also schedule it to run at certain times of day and as part of specific automations, including scheduling and automating cleanings for specific rooms at specific times.
Additionally, if you have a robot vacuum that supports vacuuming and mopping, the Home app will let you pick between those modes. The Home app will also show you the device’s current status, such as whether it’s cleaning or charging.
Integration with HomeKit also means you can control your robot vacuum with Siri. You can say things like, “Siri, clean the living room” or “Siri, mop the kitchen” to begin hands-free cleaning.
You will, however, still have to use the manufacturer’s app for the more robust features and controls for your robot vacuums. This includes mapping, object avoidance settings, custom routes, and more. For the fundamentals and day-to-day usage, the Home app should be able to get the job done.
Which robot vacuums support HomeKit?
So, which robot vacuums support HomeKit integration? It’s more than you might think, thanks to the Matter smart home standard. This makes it easier for manufacturers to adopt new features.
In a press release, Roborock says it has started rolling out a firmware update that enables HomeKit support on a handful of its models. The update started rolling out today, and Roborock promises that all customers will have it by April 10th.
Here’s the full rundown on the Roborock models that will support HomeKit integration:
Roborock says that firmware updates with HomeKit support will come to other models, like the S8 Max Ultra and Qrevo Slim, “in the upcoming weeks and months,” followed by even “more models coming soon.”
Ecovacs is also committed to supporting HomeKit integration. The company told The Verge that the update be released to the following models “in phases” starting this week:
SwitchBot is another brand that has started rolling out HomeKit support to its products. First up is the SwitchBot S10 Robot Vacuum and Mop, which features Home app integration today.
iRobot says that the Roomba Combo 10 Max Robot Vacuum and Auto Wash Dock will receive a firmware update with Apple Home support. The company hasn’t shared any details on when that update will be released, though.
Wrap up
While the Home app and HomeKit platform often feel neglected, support for robot vacuums is a great addition. Do you own a HomeKit-capable robot vacuum? Are you planning to buy one now that iOS 18.4 has been released? Let us know down in the comments.
Follow Chance: Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, and Mastodon.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
