Owners of robot vacuums have reason to celebrate with the recent release of Apple’s iOS 18.4. This significant update introduces native support for controlling robotic cleaners directly within the Apple Home app, marking a major step forward in smart home integration. The key enabler for this advancement is the Matter protocol, the industry-backed standard designed to ensure interoperability between smart home devices regardless of the manufacturer. Previously, controlling robot vacuums often required juggling separate manufacturer apps, but this update promises a more unified and streamlined experience for users invested in the Apple ecosystem. The integration facilitated by iOS 18.4 and Matter allows users to perform essential functions directly from the Home app. This includes basic commands such as starting, stopping, pausing, and docking the robot vacuum. More powerfully, however, it unlocks the ability to incorporate these cleaning devices into existing Apple Home scenes and automations. Imagine creating a
