The Apple Home app is an essential tool for users who want to control their smart home accessories through HomeKit. This application allows users manage devices like lights, thermostats, cameras and more, providing centralized and easy-to-use control. With the release of iOS 18, Apple has introduced new functionality that will allow users to choose a specific Apple TV or HomePod device as their primary HomeKit hub, a significant improvement that promises to optimize the user experience.
Until now, owners of Apple TV and HomePod devices could configure them as HomeKit hubs to control HomeKit and Matter accessories remotely. However, there was no option to select a specific hub as the primary, which could result in the system using an older device with a slower wireless connection to send HomeKit commands. With the introduction of iOS 18 and tvOS 18, this is about to change.
iOS 18 redefines the Home app
According to what is said in the HomeKit subreddit, the Home app in iOS 18 now includes a new option to establish a “Preferred Primary Hub”. This menu allows users to choose between Apple TV and HomePods connected to HomeKit, so that the system uses the selected device to control other home accessories remotely. In case the main hub is not available, only then the system will fall back to another device.
This new feature is particularly useful for those users who have multiple Apple TVs or HomePods in their home. For example, a user may have a newer Apple TV connected to a wired network, providing a more stable and faster connection compared to an older model that relies on a wireless connection. The ability to select this newer device as the primary hub ensures that HomeKit commands are executed more efficiently and reliably.
It is important to take into account some aspects to use this new functionality. All user devices must be running the beta versions of their respective operating systems for this feature to work. Despite this, some users have reported not seeing the new menu in the Home app, an issue that is expected to be fixed with future updates.
The beta is now available
Both iOS 18 and tvOS 18 are currently available in developer beta. Apple has announced that a public beta will be launched next month, and the official launch is scheduled for this fall. This new primary hub selection capability is just one of the many improvements expected with the arrival of these updates, and reflects Apple’s continued commitment to improving the smart home experience for its users.
This new ability to choose a specific Apple TV or HomePod as the main HomeKit hub will allow users to have greater control over their smart devices and ensure more efficient performance. This functionality promises to make smart home management even easier. more intuitive and effectivealigning with Apple’s vision of offering advanced and accessible technological solutions for everyone.
