A HomeKit logo appears at CES2016 in January. (Photo : YouTube / Andrew OHara)
A HomeKit app from Apple Inc. would save consumers time and effort from jumping among third-party programs, and it is rumored to come with the upcoming iOS 10 later this year. The HomeKit platform has a plethora of devices supporting it, but managing the devices is a messy task. Users typically just end up using separate apps to control appliances, home security and lighting.
Users of the HomeKit app with multiple products rely on third-party apps or need to use different product applications, which offer various features. They wish for a unified HomeKit app and it appears the iOS owner is indeed planning to come up with one.
Things will get easier when the rumor that Apple's iOS 10 will provide a "standalone" HomeKit platform this fall with an implication that it will act like a hub for all HomeKit-compatible smart home gadgets. While there is that possibility that Apple will delay or entirely ditch the idea, the iPhone maker filed a trademark for a HomeKit icon late last year by using a shell company - a proof that the rumor is not just a speculation.
The hint of Apple's plan about HomeKit came from an Amazon reviewer who works at Apple's marketing department. The reviewer's name coincides with a LinkedIn profile of a marketing employee at the Cupertino company, and it was confirmed that the review on Amazon was indeed created by an employee of Apple, MacRumors reported.
The reviewer introduced himself as someone working at Apple's marketing department, who tested many Smart Home devices, especially for the integration of HomeKit in iOS. Prior to the announcement of HomeKit, Apple worked with third party smart home makers as they wanted continued use of home devices consumers already have, the review cited.
Apple's HomeKit app is rumored to be labelled "Home." The tech giant could provide such app that may go a long way to enhance the HomeKit experience and make household automation hassle-free.
Meanwhile, iOS 10 may likewise come with design refinements since the software's look has not received any significant update since iOS 7 in 2013. It is expected to redesign the Apple Music app, bring Apple Pay to Web browsers and enhance the Photos app.
The following video discusses Apple's HomeKit app:
