New features come with new iPhones. Apple HomeKit users can expect plenty of features starting next week with iOS 15, HomePod 15, TVOS 15, and watchOS 8. Software updates will be available for iOS 8, HomePod 15, and tvOS 15. Apple confirmed that all of these software updates will be available on September 20th.
If you've been looking forward to unlimited HomeKit Secure Video cameras and the HomePod Mini as an audio speaker for your Apple TV 4K or the possibility of seeing your doorbell through your Apple Watch, then you are in luck.
We have a list of all the HomeKit and HomeKit-related new features dropping Monday.
Siri on HomePod allows you to control your Apple TV using Siri
Siri will allow you to control your Apple TV's on/off, pause and resume playback, as well as turn it on or off. This feature has been available for Amazons Alexa smart speakers and Googles Assistants smart speaker for some time (when paired to a Fire TV device, Chromecast or Chromecast), so we were happy to see Apple bring Siri speakers up to standard.
Set your HomePod Mini as your Apple TV speaker
You can make your Apple TV 4Ks default speaker a single or a pair of HomePod Minis. This feature was only available on the original HomePod (now discontinued), but it is now available on Apple's smaller (and not discontinued!) smart speaker.
HomeKit cameras can spot packages
Apple's HomeKit Secure Video can now be connected to security cameras. This allows you to see when a package is being delivered via an Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini. This will allow for more usefulness in the two HKSV compatible residential doorsbells, the LogitechView and the Netatmo SmartVideo Doorbell.
Multiple HomeKit cameras can be seen on your Apple TV
Apple TV now streams multiple feeds from HomeKit cameras, instead of one. This allows you to view your entire domain on the large screen. You can also control nearby accessories, such as your front door lock and porch light. The remote will allow you to turn the lights on and off using the remote.
Add unlimited HomeKit Secure Video cameras
You can add unlimited cameras to HomeKit Secure Video with the iOS15 update ($9.99 per month). 5 cameras were the limit previously, which can be a problem if you need to cover your entire home with cameras.
Siri can be reached in many more locations
Other HomeKit accessories with speaker connectivity will get the voice assistant. Ecobee SmartThermostat has been confirmed as the only accessory. The function will not be available for several weeks more, Ecobee stated. It is likely that more devices will soon follow, so you can ask Siri to control smart homes, set alarms and timers, and use intercom in multiple rooms. To relay your requests, you will need a HomePod Mini connected to the same network.
Siri will tell you to do it later
Siri is becoming smarter in home control. Siri now has the ability to ask Siri to perform a task based on an event or later. This means Siri will be able to respond to commands like Hey Siri, turn the lights off when I'm gone or Hey Siri: turn the TV off at 6 p.m.
You can control your home from your wrist
The Apple Home app has received a major redesign with WatchOS 8. You can now access individual accessories and HomeKit Scenes. The watch uses context to determine which Scenes and devices to control. Intercom can be used to broadcast messages to individual rooms or the entire home using HomeKit-enabled camera streams.
You can update your HomePod Minis and HomePod Minis software by going to Home Settings in Apple Home app. Here you can also turn on automatic updates. You can find the settings menu for Apple TV 4K on your device. For Apple Watch, you can use the Watch app on iPhone or the settings app directly on the watch.
Update: 6:47 PM ET September 17th 2021: It has been clarified that the article refers to Siri on a HomePod controlling the Apple TV.
