IOS 18.4: Unlocking Seamless Control of Your Matter-Enabled Robot Vacuums!

IOS 18.4: Unlocking Seamless Control of Your Matter-Enabled Robot Vacuums!

The Switchbot S10 stands⁣ out as ‍the inaugural robot vacuum compatible with Apple’s ‍Matter protocol. Image source: ‌Switchbot

Apple’s latest beta version for iOS 18.4 introduces features allowing users to ‍manage robot vacuums through‌ Apple Home, and the recently launched model from⁢ Switchbot is‌ among the pioneering devices to‌ utilize this capability.

Expected to roll out in ​April,⁣ iOS 18.4 is currently‌ in⁣ testing with developers focusing on its first beta iteration.‍ At present, only the Switchbot S10 Robot⁤ Vacuum ⁤and Mop boasts⁣ compatibility​ with the Matter standard; however, additional models are anticipated to follow suit shortly.

A user on Bluesky named James Prochnow shared his ‍experience testing the S10, confirming its functionality within Apple’s Home app for iPhone users. This advanced unit is priced at $1,199 and available⁢ for purchase now.

Last ⁢year, AppleInsider reviewed a compact variant ⁤of this‍ vacuum called K10; at that point in time, it lacked Matter support but it was foreseen that such integration would ⁤arrive eventually.

For​ those⁤ interested in seeing this newest technology in action, a⁢ demonstration ⁣video featuring the Switchbot robot vacuum has been uploaded by Smart Home Centre on YouTube. Besides controlling the S10 through either an iPhone⁢ or an iPad using Apple’s ‌Home​ app or⁤ via Apple TV,​ its compatibility with Matter also extends voice⁤ command functionalities.

— james-prochnow.bsky.social (@james-prochnow.bsky.social) Feb 22, 2025 at 12:39‌ PM

With voice commands ⁤from Siri enabled on devices like ⁤HomePods ⁢and Apple TV, ⁢users can instruct their vacuums to ⁤initiate cleaning cycles, ​pause operation, return to their ⁤charging docks or adjust mopping settings along with selecting​ different cleaning modes. Additionally, users can⁣ include both the S10 and future supported robots into their existing HomeKit automations and scenarios.

While ⁢essential room mapping along with some sophisticated features will necessitate utilizing either custom apps ‍by Switchbot or pairing with a dedicated hub ⁤for full control ⁤of all capabilities within those specific functions; regular operations​ will still⁤ remain accessible via both direct voice commands as well ​as ⁣through Apple’s adept Home application ‌interface. The upcoming support ‌for robotic vacuums adhering to Matter standards is also slated for integration into additional operating systems including iPadOS 18.4 tvOS 18.4‌ macOS Monterey 15.4 and watchOS Series 11 .

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