What's Apple HomeKit?

Apple HomeKit is a platform within iOS that I use to control all my home smart devices from my iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. That means HomeKit is not an app that I install from the App Store. It's a protocol (kind of an underlying connection) my devices use to communicate with each other, provided, of course, they support HomeKit. This is indicated on each product with the label "Works with Apple HomeKit".

All my smart products don't have to be made by Apple itself. All they need to do is support the HomeKit protocol. Developers can operate devices, but they can't use or analyze data, since Apple has completely encrypted HomeKit traffic. That way, no one can steal my data. In the past, products all had their own app you used to operate them. Since iOS 10, Apple has gotten its own app named 'Home'. That way, I won't need to open several apps in order to control my devices anymore.

Because I have several smart products at home, Apple HomeKit is a solution for me. I can control all my products from 1 place, set them up, and pair products. I scan et my thermostat to switch on in the morning just before I get out of bed. And what makes it even easier, is that I can control my smart devices with my voice. I can give commands via Siri to switch off my lights.

The Apple HomePod wireless speaker isn't just a speaker. In addition to streaming music, the HomePod is also an embodiment of Siri. For example, I can ask the HomePod to play a song from 1985. I can ask for musical requests, but the Apple HomePod also controls all my smart devices in the house that support HomeKit. So I don't even have to open the Home app anymore. All I have to do is give the HomePod commands.