The forthcoming iOS 9 operating system will reportedly feature a central hub where iPhone owners can control the Smart Home devices equipped with Apple’s HomeKit platform.
According to another leak from the proficient 9to5Mac website, the app will be called ‘Home’ and will enable users to wirelessly discover and set up compatible devices.
This would act much like the existing Apple Health app, which iPhone owners can utilise to add data from various third-party apps, services and tracking devices.
Elsewhere, the standalone application will also ‘create a virtual representation of rooms’ in the house where devices can be organised and connected, the report says.
According to the sources, the Home app will also feature Apple Watch companion app-like discovery screens that will teach users how to get the most from the HomeKit platform and its various devices.
Read more: Apple iOS 8 review
While nothing is confirmed at this stage, the report is interesting as it’s the first we’ve heard of how iOS could be used to power the connected home ecosystem.
Earlier this month Apple moved to deny reports the launch of the platform had been delayed until late summer. This first HomeKit products are still on track for launch in June, Apple says.
HomeKit was first announced alongside iOS 8 a year ago, but there has been little to get excited about since.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.