Apple users eagerly anticipating the ability to control their robot vacuums through Siri and HomeKit will have to wait a little longer. In a recent update to its Home product webpage, Apple quietly announced that support for robot vacuum integration has been pushed back to “early 2025.” This delay was first noted by MacRumors.
Promise and the Delay
During its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, Apple unveiled plans to enhance the Home app with robot vacuum compatibility. The feature was expected to debut by the end of 2024, possibly alongside the iOS 18.2 release. However, the revised timeline indicates that the feature is still under development.
At launch, the integration will allow users to issue commands to robot vacuums via Siri in U.S. English and control their devices through HomeKit. Tasks such as initiating cleaning cycles, switching between sweeping and mopping modes, and monitoring the device’s battery status will all be supported. Additionally, users will be able to incorporate robot vacuums into HomeKit automations, enabling workflows like starting a cleaning session when the house is empty.
Other Delayed iOS 18 Features
Robot vacuum support isn’t the only iOS 18 feature facing delays. Apple has pushed back several other functionalities announced during WWDC. For example, the initial Apple Intelligence features rolled out in October, one month after iOS 18’s public release. Meanwhile, additional AI capabilities and a more advanced version of Siri are still in testing and are now expected in 2025.
Expanded HomeKit Capabilities
Despite delays, iOS 18 has introduced some significant enhancements to the HomeKit experience. These include simplified processes for inviting temporary guests to control HomeKit accessories and support for Ultra Wideband door locks.
iOS 18 is compatible with iPhone XR and later models. Users can update their devices by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.