> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ifreeq.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ifreeq.com/general-knowledge/the-third-party-control/homekit.md).

# HomeKit

 **HomeKit** is a [software framework](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_framework) by [Apple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Inc.) that lets users configure, communicate with, and control [smart-home appliances](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_of_things) using Apple devices. By designing rooms, items, and actions in the HomeKit service, users can enable automatic actions in the house through a simple voice command to [Siri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siri) or through the Home app.

## Overview

HomeKit uses [Bluetooth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth) and [Wi-Fi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi) protocols.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeKit#cite_note-2) Manufacturers of HomeKit-enabled devices are required to enroll in an [MFi Program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MFi_Program),[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeKit#cite_note-3) and initially all HomeKit-based products were required to include an [encryption](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encryption) co-processor.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeKit#cite_note-4) The latter requirement was later changed in [iOS 11](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_11), which added support for software-based authentication.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeKit#cite_note-5) Equipment manufactured without HomeKit support can be enabled for use through a "gateway" product, a bridge that connects those devices to the HomeKit service.[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeKit#cite_note-6)

HomeKit primarily competes with smart home standards from [Amazon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_\(company\)) and [Google](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google). As of October 2019, Apple lists 450 devices compatible with HomeKit, compared to 10,000 for Google and 85,000 for Amazon.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeKit#cite_note-7)

#### Device categories

HomeKit currently supports 22 device categories:[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeKit#cite_note-8)

* Air conditioners
* Air purifiers
* [Bridges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protocol_converter)
* Cameras
* Doorbells
* Fans
* Faucets
* Garage doors
* Humidifiers
* Lights
* Locks
* Outlets
* Audio/video receivers
* [Routers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router_\(computing\))
* Security systems
* [Sensors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motion_detector)
* Speakers
* Sprinklers
* [Switches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_switch)
* Thermostats
* Televisions
* Windows

Garage doors, locks, security systems, and windows are categorized as secure appliances, and requires a device with [authentication](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authentication) such as an [iPhone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone) or [iPad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPad) to control.

#### Home hub

[iPads](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPads), [HomePods](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomePod), and fourth-generation and newer [Apple TVs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_TV) can be used as a home hub to control HomeKit appliances remotely, grant guest access, and set up automations.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeKit#cite_note-9) The third-generation Apple TV supports limited features.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeKit#cite_note-10)

## Home app

#### iOS version

HomeKit was first released with [iOS 8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_8) in September 2014. The framework allowed third-party apps to interface with HomeKit devices using Siri and allow remote access through home hubs.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeKit#cite_note-11)

The Home app was first released with [iOS 10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_10) in September 2016 to unify all devices into one app.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeKit#cite_note-12) It added support for automations using a home hub, and preprogrammed "Scenes", which can set multiple devices using a single command.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeKit#cite_note-13)

#### macOS version

The Home app was added to Macs with [macOS 10.14 Mojave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacOS_10.14_Mojave) in September 2018.

#### HomePod and Apple TV

The [HomePod](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomePod) and fourth-generation and newer [Apple TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_TV) lack a [graphical user interface](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphical_user_interface) to control HomeKit devices, and instead use Siri voice commands. They cannot control secure devices.[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomeKit#cite_note-14)