Apple is expected to launch new Home products this year after implementing the long-awaited update for Siri with iOS 27. However, there are three ways Apple Home has recently improved during the iOS 26 cycle. Here are the innovations.

#1: Adaptive Temperature Feature for Smart Thermostats

iOS 26 introduced a new Adaptive Temperature feature designed to enhance the 'intelligence' of smart thermostats in Apple's Home app. Here’s what this feature does:

Set your thermostat to automatically adjust when you return home, fall asleep, or are away for an extended period. Your iPhone uses on-device intelligence to adjust the thermostat so you can reach the right temperature when you return home and adjusts the thermostat to save energy when you are away. It also responds to the sleep schedule created on your iPhone to adjust the temperature according to your bedtime and wake-up times.

Technically, Apple introduced the Adaptive Temperature feature with iOS 26.0, but the first supported smart thermostat was released earlier this month.

Aqara Smart Thermostat W200 was launched with full support for Adaptive Temperature, ensuring your home stays comfortable and energy-efficient. All you need is an Apple home hub.

Aqara's W200 also functions as a Matter 1.4 hub along with Thread and Zigbee, and it works seamlessly with Aqara smart locks and video doorbells, allowing you to control and view live video streams from the 4-inch touchscreen.

#2: The First Smart Lock with Apple Home Key and Ultra Wideband Support

Apple Home has also benefited from the launch of the first smart lock with Apple Home Key and Ultra Wideband (UWB) support.

This product is Aqara Smart Lock U400—Aqara continues to push forward with Apple integrations.

Apple Home Key allows you to easily lock and unlock your door through the Home app, sharing access with guests.

The best part of Aqara's U400 is its Ultra Wideband feature. UWB allows your door to lock and unlock automatically based solely on your presence. It is also a much more precise, secure, and reliable system compared to alternatives.

#3: Faster Accessory Setup for Multi-Packs

If you've purchased many home accessory packs, you know how tedious it can be to set them up one by one.

However, with iOS 26.2, Apple provided a useful update to the Home app in this area.

According to Apple's official release notes:

Multi-pack accessory pairing in the Home app allows you to easily register multiple accessories sold together using the same setup code.

That's right: With a single setup code, you can quickly and easily add smart plugs, bulbs, motion sensors, and more to the Home app.

I’ve moved a lot in recent years and have grown tired of the smart home accessory setup process. Therefore, I always support changes that make installations easier.

What new Apple Home features would you like to see in iOS 27? Let us know in the comments.

Top Apple Home Accessories

  • TP-Link Tapo 2K camera with HomeKit Secure Video
  • Aqara Smart Lock with Apple Home Key and UWB
  • HomeKit Garage Door Opener
  • HomeKit smart plug 4-pack
  • Aqara Smart Thermostat with Adaptive Temperature