What Is Apple HomeKit and What Can It Do?

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn:

What Apple HomeKit is.
Explore examples of how Apple HomeKit works.

Before We Begin:

Have your iPhone nearby if you wish to try out some of the examples of Apple HomeKit.

2. What Is Apple HomeKit?

What is Apple HomeKit?In general, Apple HomeKit is a framework used to control a variety of home automation devices. You then use the Home or Siri app to make requests, such as turning on a light.

Apple HomeKit isn't an "object" in your home, nor an "app" on your smartphone; rather it is a platform you use your smartphone or other devices to access in a simple, natural way. This is an important distinction; it means anything you set or connect to Apple HomeKit, will be available to any and all devices using your Apple iCloud account.

Ways to Interact With Apple HomeKit

Your Apple HomePod, iPhone, Apple TV, and Apple Watch can all use these features. This creates a powerful, integrated platform.

Siri

Available on your iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, and Mac laptop and desktop. Siri provides a natural language interface; meaning you simply talk to your computer, and it will respond and perform tasks for you.

Home App

The Home app, on your iOS device or Mac computer running Mojave or later, allows you direct access to the various Smart Home devices you have connected to HomeKit, as well as a way to add, modify, and remove those devices.

What Siri Can Help With

Siri can interact with a huge variety of different aspects Apple's services and searchable data, media, media playback, and thanks to new smart home products, it can assist you with managing your home, as well.

Answer Your Questions

Siri can answer many of your questions, such as "How tall is the Empire State Building?" or "How many cups in a quart?" fast and easy, with the answer spoken to you.

Plan Your Day

Siri can help with the weather, and access your calendar. You can get a weather report to tell if you need the umbrella, and get a rundown of your meetings at work for the day.

Manage Your Communications

Not only can Siri read out your text messages and Mail to you, but compose simple, short messages to those on your contact lists.

Media Playback

You can have Siri start playing your favorite playlists from the most popular music streaming services, identify songs you hear on the radio or in your favorite shows, or start watching your favorite series on supported services such as iTunes and Netflix.

Get Directions

Asking for directions to your a specific address, or simply the name of a business or type of business, will often get you the results you want quickly and easily. You'll get directions for walking, driving, as well as public transportation in most cities.

Control Your Smart Devices

Adding your smart home devices allows you to extend the voice control of Siri to your whole home. Asking Siri to turn on the bedroom lights, lock the front door, even enable the alarm are all possible, depending on the capabilities of the systems you have.

What Can HomeKit Control?

Apple HomeKit is compatible with a vast number of items, from lights to smart locks to washing machines and everything in between. Apple continually works with manufacturers of smart home products to add their functionality.

When purchasing products, you can look for the "Works with Apple HomeKit" logo, or review the list of HomeKit-compatible devices at the website https://www.apple.com/ios/home/accessories/.

3. Basic Setup for Your Apple HomeKit

We have a special guide setup to walk you through the process of setting up Apple Home.

Show Me How

Clicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.