As a longtime technology journalist, I’ve slogged through multiple smart home platform transitions and poorly implemented gadgets. It’s easy to be skeptical; companies discontinue devices and services every year, and home voice assistants still need work.
That said, an honest evaluation of Apple’s current smart home landscape reveals it’s not in terrible shape. Matter has helped a lot in this regard, and it’s poised to get even better thanks to Siri AI in iOS 27 and a rumored refresh of Apple’s smart home devices.
Of course, there’s always room for improvement, and HomeKit could benefit from upgrades in two areas: cameras and controllers. Here’s why it’s critical.
Apple’s Smart Home Camera Solutions Are Lacking
Instead of separate notifications, Apple’s AI will provide a single, detailed alert. (Credit: Apple)
Apple seems to be aware that it’s lacking in the security camera department. It’s upped its feature set in iOS 27, specifically around HomeKit cameras appearing in the Home app. Notifications can be grouped, so events like someone arriving at the house don’t create a flurry of alerts. You can also search for events across all compatible cameras at your house.
The problem, however, is the lackluster camera support. Most of PCMag’s picks for best outdoor home security cameras, for example, don’t support HomeKit Secure Video, and won’t be able to take advantage of those iOS 27 features.
When all of my cameras were Google Nest and available in one app, I was happy to ignore competing products. But now, with the Nest app dropped in favor of Google Home, the demise of Nest Protect, and the company waiting years between speaker upgrades, it’s gotten harder to be satisfied with anything Nest-related.
But whether it’s keeping an eye on deliveries, kids, or other guests, a video doorbell is just an integral piece of a smart home now. As a result, I have three apps to view four cameras. It’s driving my family crazy. The devices all perform well, but they’re not HomeKit-compatible, so they’re not in the Home app.
Apple could fix this by building its own solution, starting with a video doorbell or front door camera, which are more universal than locks or thermostats.
Apple’s Home App Needs Better Controllers and Access Points
Apple’s rumored device could look something like this. (Credit: recep-bg/Getty Images)
I’d like a reliable way to control my smart home without having to take my phone out of my pocket each time I want to change something. My family puts up with all of our lights being controlled via voice, but the experience has degraded over the years. We need a home controller that everyone can freely access through one app; in this case, Apple’s Home app.
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Apple reportedly has a smart home hub in the works, which we could see as soon as October. It has been waiting for Siri AI to be ready, but the company already has all the hardware pieces in place, from the iPad for displays to the HomePod for smart speakers. On the software side, it has things like widgets and Live Activities for glanceable data and easy control, not to mention support for third-party apps.
Apple’s Smart Home Needs More Than Siri AI
After trying Siri AI during the beta period and seeing other people put it to work, I do think it’s finally a much better product. The virtual assistant seems ready to help across all Apple devices, including in the smart home.
But as much as Siri AI fills in all the gaps, it can’t do all the work. Apple should invest in a more full-featured home hub, a la the Apple TV box, that helps power more automations and devices. But most importantly, Apple needs to release its own camera, followed by a touch-screen home controller. Is this all on tap for its Sept. 9 “surprise and shine” event? Stay tuned.
About Our Expert
Experience
I’ve contributed to PCMag since 2019, covering Apple, electric vehicles, and lots of other consumer electronics. If a gadget plugs into a wall or uses a battery, there’s a good chance I’ve tested it and have some thoughts about its place in our daily lives. I write featured articles, how-to guides, and daily news.
I got my first taste of writing about technology for Fast Company in 2013, mostly how it intersected with the music industry. Since then I’ve written for dozens of publications and explored all other facets of service journalism, from reviews to buying guides. At one point, I took a break from journalism for a few years to work at a technology startup and then an industry Goliath, both valuable experiences in understanding how the business of tech works from top to bottom.
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