The Home app in iOS 18 allows HomeKit users who have more than one device that serves as a home hub to select which one should be used as the preferred hub. It is a small but useful change because it prevents HomeKit from choosing a hub that is further away from most HomeKit products or that has a weaker connection.
In iOS 17 and earlier, there has been no way to select a home hub, and HomeKit has picked randomly. That can lead to connectivity issues in some situations. For those who do not care about which home hub HomeKit selects, Automatic Selection remains an option.
The Apple TV and the HomePod are able to serve as home hubs, but the option to set a preferred hub seems to be limited to the Apple TV as of right now, because Apple has not yet provided a HomePod beta to developers.
Other features coming in HomeKit include Customize Access for managing how and when people access devices like alarm systems, door locks, and garage door openers, with support for guest schedules. There's also a new Express Mode for unlocking door locks automatically as you approach, and support for robot vacuum cleaners is set to come later this year.
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones.
The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns.
The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49.
There...
Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max models in March 2026, but depending on your needs and interests, you might want to skip this generation because there's something better in the works.
The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models have faster chips, but the same design that Apple has used since 2021. An updated design with new display technology and faster ...
This was already a thing? I have 2 Apple TVs. Enabled one as the hub while the other is disabled...
Yes. It's a thing. Come back and report when you have > 10+ Homepods and Apple TVs and running dozens of Thread, Matter and standard Homekit devices in a mash WIFI Network and not 2 Apple TVs and one Homekit Light bulb in a 25 sqft student shoe box. Thank you.
Every single time my HomeKit gets slow it always ends up being some random HomePod or older Apple TV taking over from my wired, latest-model Apple TV. I'm so glad they're finally making this change.
Now if the other HomePods could somehow understand when an alarm is going off on another and you want it to stop it should stop it vs saying "there's no alarm set on HomePod". Lack of interaction between them is maddening sometimes.
That option is totally not available on my beta version of iOS 18.
Both iOS and tvOS need be on the betas for the option to appear. If you're still not seeing the option, Apple Intelligence is deciding if you deserve the feature yet. It's already starting.
