[WWDC 2024] Apple Announces Major Updates to Home Products – Enhancing Entertainment and Convenience

Apple has unveiled software updates for its Home products during WWDC 2024, promising to elevate entertainment and simplify daily tasks. The new tvOS 18 introduces advanced features like InSight, while updates to Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, and FaceTime enhance user experiences on the largest screens. Additionally, the Home app gains new capabilities with iOS 18, such as guest access and hands-free unlock with home keys. Both tvOS 18 and iOS 18 are available as developer betas today and will be released as free updates this fall.

tvOS 18

Apple TV app’s upcoming InSight feature will display real-time information about actors, characters, and music from Apple TV+ content. Users can view actor backgrounds, filmographies, and add songs to Apple Music playlists effortlessly. This feature will also be accessible on iPhones used as Apple TV remotes.

Enhance Dialogue in tvOS 18 leverages machine learning and computational audio for clearer vocals over background noise. This feature will be compatible with HomePod speakers, built-in TV speakers, HDMI-connected speakers, AirPods, and other Bluetooth devices, as well as supported content on iPhone and iPad.

Subtitles in tvOS 18 will now automatically appear at appropriate moments, such as when the language differs from the device’s language, when users mute, or when they skip back while watching content. Moreover, tvOS 18 will support 21:9 aspect ratio for projectors and introduce new screen savers, including delightful animations featuring Snoopy and Woodstock.

Enhanced Apple Services and Experiences

With tvOS 18, SharePlay and Apple Music will allow anyone to share control of music playing from HomePod and HomePod mini. Users can join a SharePlay session by bringing an iPhone close to another iPhone or scanning a QR code in the SharePlay window. FaceTime with Continuity Camera will be more accessible with Live Captions for English in the U.S. and Canada, allowing users to read conversations on the largest screen in the home.

Apple Fitness+ will see a redesign in tvOS 18, featuring a personalized For You space, Explore and Library spaces, enhanced search features, and improved awards to keep users motivated and consistent with their fitness routines.

iOS 18: Simplifying Home Entry and Energy Management

As shown during WWDC 2024, the Home app in iOS 18 introduces guest access, allowing users to grant control over locks, garage doors, and security systems to guests. Users can schedule individual or time-based access with smart locks and view guest activity history. Handsfree unlock with home keys will let users open supported locks as they approach, providing a seamless entry experience.

The Home app will also facilitate better energy management by partnering with leading utilities, starting with Pacific Gas & Electric Company in California. Eligible users can view their electricity usage in the Home app’s Energy category by connecting their utility account.

Additional Home App and Apple TV Features

The Home app will now support robot vacuum cleaners, enabling them to participate in automations and scenes and be activated by voice using Siri. AirPlay will add Spatial Audio, offering immersive sound experiences, including Dolby Atmos support, when streaming audio from iPhone and iPad to HomePod and compatible third-party audio equipment.

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Pokdepinion: I would love to see more partnering utilities, especially in other countries soon, but after WWDC 2024, looks like we might need to wait for a future iteration of the keynote for that.