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Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Hunter Fenollol

iOS 18 HomeKit update now lets you add Matter devices without a hub

HomeKit Apple Tom Guide
Apple Homekit on iPhone.

Apple’s new iOS 18 update just gave HomeKit the ability to connect to Matter-over Wi-Fi gadgets without requiring extra apps or hardware. Meanwhile, Thread devices can be controlled locally via any iPhone with a Thread radio (the iPhone 15 Pro or newer). This makes linking and controlling the best smart home devices from Apple's smart home platform much easier. 

Until now, you've needed a hub like the Apple TV 4K or HomePod to add a Matter device directly from the Home app—even if you weren't reliant on the newer Thread protocol. If you lacked one, you'd need to download and set up an account on a third-party app. This update removes the friction and saves you both time and storage space on your phone.

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