HomeKit is expected to receive three important new features in the upcoming iOS 14 and tvOS 14 system updates.
In the update released this fall, HomeKit's lighting, security cameras, and Apple TV Audio will receive significant improvements, according to 9to5Mac.
Night Shift for lights
Smart lighting is one of the initial categories of Apple's smart home framework. HomeKit has long had the ability to control light brightness, color and light temperature, as well as automate scheduling based on the scene.
The new feature of HomeKit in iOS 14 is the ability to automatically adjust the color temperature of the light throughout the day. In order to match the outdoor daylighting, a lower light temperature should be selected during the day, and a warmer color temperature should be used at night. HomeKit currently allows you to manually adjust the color temperature or change the color temperature of the lighting based on triggers such as time of day or sunset and sunrise.
Apple is developing a new feature described as "Night Shift for HomeKit lights", which is expected to gradually change the lighting color temperature according to the time of day, without giving people a sense of surprise and discomfort.
Some smart lighting, including LIFX, currently have this feature, but they currently require manufacturers' applications to work, and no control functions are provided in HomeKit.
HomeKit Cameras
Support for HomeKit Secure Video has been introduced in iOS 13 to provide security features based on existing smart cameras, such as detecting people, animals, and vehicles in motion.
In iOS 14 ’s HomeKit, Apple is planning to introduce facial recognition. HomeKit Secure Video may be upgraded to not only detect someone in the screen, but also provide detailed notifications about someone.
HomePod Apple TV Speaker
tvOS 14 provides new permanent audio output options for the Apple TV streaming box. For example, users can permanently select a HomePod stereo pair as the default audio output without having to manually select an AirPlay 2 target every time.
