HomeKit 2024 changes

HomeKit 2024 Changes

At WWDC 2024, several updates and new features related to HomeKit were discussed. Here are the key points:

1. Embedded Swift for HomeKit Accessories:

   • A demonstration was provided on how to create a HomeKit accessory using Embedded Swift. This involved using a programmable embedded device (ESP 32 C6 development board) with a RISC-V microcontroller and a color LED. The device was connected to a Mac over USB, and a program was written in Embedded Swift to implement a HomeKit accessory. This accessory could then be controlled from the Home app on any Apple device (Go small with Embedded Swift).
   • The process included using Swift's interoperability to call existing C APIs from the SDK directly in Swift code, and wrapping these C APIs into a layer that provides ergonomic and intuitive APIs for core application logic (Go small with Embedded Swift).

2. Matter Protocol Integration:

   • The Matter protocol, an open standard for building smart home accessories, was highlighted. Matter is supported natively in HomeKit, allowing for seamless integration of Matter accessories. The session demonstrated how to implement a Matter device using Swift, which would then automatically work in HomeKit (Go small with Embedded Swift).
   • The demonstration included creating a root node for the Matter accessory, defining endpoints (such as a color LED light), and connecting these to the application object. The device was then flashed and registered in the HomeKit network, allowing it to be controlled from the Home app (Go small with Embedded Swift).

3. Accessory Setup Kit:

   • The new Accessory Setup Kit was introduced, which simplifies the pairing process for accessories in iOS 18. This kit provides a smoother and more intuitive experience, ensuring that the resulting privacy permissions are exactly what the app needs to work with an accessory. It also allows for easy management of paired accessories, including renaming, attaching assets, and unpairing (What’s new in privacy).

Relevant Sessions

• Go small with Embedded Swift
• What’s new in privacy

These sessions provide a comprehensive overview of the new capabilities and improvements in HomeKit for 2024.