Accessibility with Apple Home in iOS18

Apple’s HomeKit has long been a favourite among smart home enthusiasts, thanks to its easy interface and native accessibility features with VoiceOver. With iOS 18, it’s getting even better!
While the HomeKit and Home app didn’t take centre stage at Apple’s WWDC keynote today, there are some new notable features introduced in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.

🤖 Apple Intelligence 🤖

Unlike Apple, let’s talk about AI first, in this case it’s not Artificial Intelligence, but Apple Intelligence, Kudos on the name Apple.

Siri is getting a huge buff, I mean massive! No longer will it be the voice assistant that is the butt of jokes; but a very capable assistant that can take request in a natural way. so instead of it saying ‘Here is some search results for What is the weather like in Highams… umm I mean Hyde-Park!’ it will know that you made a mistake in your speech, and will understand. it also has follow up mode, so you can say get me directions there without specifying a location. Of course these features are nothing new, Amazon Alexa had follow up mode for years now; but there is more. Siri knows everything about you.

Unlike other AI chat bots like Chat GPT, Siri has access to a lot of personal detail on your phone; from your photos you taken, and all your messages; so with these enhancements you can even ask, “Find me the photo that I took with my wife, on our holiday to Canterbury, where I was wearing a blue shirt”; and Siri will display it! How about “Siri can you find the restaurant Emeline recommended to me?” You didn’t have to ask if the message was on Text, WhatSapp or eMail; Siri will know!

it’s not all chit-chat though, Siri can get more done; from asking it to change a contact detail via voice, to more advance things such as editing videos and photos, something that visually impaired users struggled with for years!

finally if Siri cannot answer something it will tap into ChatGPT to get answers!

it is unclear if this AI Siri will reach the smart home, as only the iPhone 15 Pros and higher and Macs/iPad with the M1 Chip is powerful enough to run the local AI, and a HomePod uses a S7 chip, the same processer that runs a 2 year old Apple Watch. however, Apple did say ‘Some features, software platforms, and additional languages will come over the course of the next year.’ so maybe a cloud-based AI, or even better a new Apple TV with an M chip!

Nevertheless, the updates to Siri are definitely worth mentioning, as they will greatly assist people with disabilities who have difficulty navigating through the user interface.

Guest Access:

One of the standout features in iOS 18 is the enhanced guest access. This feature allows you to manage how and when people can access your HomeKit devices such as garage openers, alarm systems, and door locks. For someone who is elderly or disabled, this is a significant upgrade in ensuring safety and peace of mind.

Customisable Access: With the ability to set guest schedules, you can limit access to specific times and devices. This is particularly useful if caregivers or family members need to check in at certain times but you don’t want unrestricted access. Home Hub Required: To use this feature, you need a home hub, which can be an Apple TV or HomePod.

Choosing Your Home Hub

on the subject of HomeHubs it has been a long awaited feature to pick your HomeHub in the Home app; like the HomePod closest to your router or the Apple TV wired via Ethernet. This flexibility ensures better connectivity and reliability of your smart home network.

🔒Hands-Free Unlock🔒

Another impressive feature is the hands-free unlock. Imagine not having to struggle with keys or your phone every time you want to enter your home. With Express Mode, your door locks automatically unlock as you approach with your iPhone or Apple Watch, thanks to the Ultra Wideband chip.

Ease of Access: This is incredibly helpful for individuals with mobility issues, making it easier to enter the home without fumbling for keys or a phone. High Security: Only Ultra Wideband-equipped smart locks can use this feature,

🧹 Robot Vacuum Integration 🧹
Later this year, Apple is introducing support for robot vacuum cleaners in the Home app. These smart vacuums can be controlled through the app, respond to Siri commands, and even be set up in automations.

Automated Cleaning: For those who find it difficult to clean, setting up automations once a week when the last person leaves home, start cleaning, and with Spot Cleaning, when the dining area occupancy stops detecting people, clean that area.

Of course with voice control: Simply ask Siri to start the vacuum, and it’s done. This is particularly beneficial for those with limited mobility or dexterity.

The updates in iOS 18 make HomeKit more than just a smart home platform; they transform it into an essential tool for accessibility. From managing guest access and hands-free unlocking to integrating robot vacuums and tracking electricity usage, HomeKit is making it easier for the elderly and disabled to live independently and comfortably. With these advancements, Apple continues to push the boundaries of technology, ensuring it’s inclusive and beneficial for everyone.

What do you think?

Share your thoughts below or be a part of the conversation over on our Accessible Smart Home Group; where some of us has already shared some new cool things Siri can do now!