Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026 was packed with announcements, and while the main stage often focuses on major OS updates, the smart home space received substantial improvements. Based on the developer sessions and beta releases, here is a breakdown of all the smart home features and upgrades coming to the Apple Home ecosystem.
Thread 1.4 returns for improved connectivity
One of the most notable under-the-hood improvements is the return of Thread 1.4 in the tvOS 27 Dev Beta 1. As I previously detailed in my initial beta release report, Thread 1.4 is a critical milestone for smart home connectivity. While it briefly appeared in an earlier beta of tvOS 26 before being pulled by the Apple team, its reintroduction signals commitment for ongoing Thread adoption.
However, early testers should note a temporary hardware limitation. Currently, there is no developer beta available for the HomePod 2 and HomePod mini. If you rely on these smart speakers as your primary border routers, you will need to wait for the official public beta next month to experience Thread 1.4 with HomePod Software 27.
This spec bump addresses countless bug fixes aimed at improving Thread stability. With platforms like SmartThings, IKEA, and certain Amazon devices already running this version, Apple’s support will significantly improve the overall reliability and interoperability of HomeKit and Matter-over-Thread devices in a multi-ecosystem household.
More importantly, Thread 1.4 introduces a standardized feature that allows different vendors and ecosystems to share Thread credentials in a more unified and user-friendly way. But we did not see any entries to generate or accept the ephemeral code for Thread network unification as of the current iOS and tvOS 27 beta.
Apple Intelligence and 4K camera upgrades
Apple is leaning heavily into AI, and the Home app is a major beneficiary. With an iCloud+ subscription and an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad, users will experience a smarter approach to home security.
The integration of Apple Intelligence unlocks several new capabilities for HomeKit Secure Video. The system can now combine related activity notifications to reduce alert fatigue. It also provides text descriptions of what occurred in a selection of video footage before you even watch the clip.
Furthermore, you can now search for specific clips using natural language based on the events that happened. According to the developer update log, when Apple Intelligence is enabled in the Home app, HomeKit Secure Video recordings are processed both on-device and through Private Cloud Compute. This ensures that video descriptions and search functions remain secure and private.
Beyond AI, Apple is finally bumping up the resolution limit. Supported HomeKit Secure Video cameras can now stream and record in 4K resolution, and the system now supports simultaneous streams, making it easier to view multiple angles at once. Apple has not yet specified exactly which third-party cameras will support 4K out of the gate.
Both the new AI capabilities and 4K streaming require an eligible iCloud+ plan and a compatible home hub, such as a HomePod 2nd generation, HomePod mini, or a recent Apple TV 4K, running the latest OS.
Aqara Camera G350
I tested the Aqara G350 camera, it works with the new feature via legacy HomeKit standard. Matter Camera is still unsupported in Apple Home.
A refined Home app experience
The Home app itself is receiving a much-needed organizational overhaul. Apple has introduced a new onboarding flow for adding devices, which greatly improves the experience of configuring new Matter hardware.
Previously, adding a Matter bridge with dozens of attached child devices could be cumbersome. The new workflow utilizes a full-screen interface, rather than just half of the screen, providing a much better and more interactive setup experience. Other minor quality-of-life improvements include guest keys via watchOS.
Performance across the board is also getting a boost. The new updates promise faster smart home accessory updates, quicker AirPlay connections, and significantly faster HomeKit accessory pairing.
Energy management arrives
Apple Home is finally adding support for energy management via the Matter standard. A new dedicated tab, joining the existing grouped sensors, lights, and climate devices, now displays total energy consumption and lists relevant devices on a single page.
However, this feature currently feels somewhat incomplete. While you can view the data, there are currently no options to automate devices based on energy consumption within the Apple Home App itself. Furthermore, these energy metrics are not selectable triggers or conditions in Apple Shortcut automations. Hopefully, Apple will expand this functionality before the final release.
Eve Energy
Eve Energy is a smart plug that allows you to control your home appliances with your voice or an app, supports Matter for cross-platform control, ensures privacy with local connectivity, and enhances your smart home network's stability and reach with cutting-edge Thread technology.
Eve Energy (U.K.)
The Eve Energy (U.K.) is a smart plug that supports Matter for enhanced device compatibility and utilizes Thread technology for improved energy efficiency and connectivity.
Despite these additions, Apple still has catching up to do regarding the broader Matter spec. The Matter cameras, along with major home appliances and newly introduced sensor types, remain unsupported in Apple Home as of this version.
All the beta mentioned are now available to test with an enrollment of the developer test via Apple Beta website.
(Source: Apple; Image: Apple, Matter Alpha/Ward Zhou & Christopher Close)
