All the new HomeKit and HomePod features in iOS 15

Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 15, landed on devices today. He understands several updates for the often overlooked HomeKit ecosystem, including the long overdue Siri updates. Here’s a look at what you’ll be able to do with iPhone and HomeKit devices in the new iOS.

Ask Siri to do things later

Ask Siri to control smart home devices at a specific time, like turning off lights in 10 minutes

Siri can finally do things later. You can ask Siri to do something like “turn off my bedroom lights at 7 pm” or something depending on an event like “turn off all lights when I leave”. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa can already do this, and Siri is catching up on those delayed order options.

HomeKit Secure Video

Support for parcel detection with HomeKit Secure Video

HomeKit Secure Video compatible cameras and doorbells will be able to spot packages in the new iOS. HomeKit Secure Video requires an iCloud plan, HomeKit and HomePod compatible security camera, Apple TV or iPad as a home hub. All HomeKit Secure Video data is end-to-end encrypted.

The update also includes the ability to add an unlimited number of cameras with your iCloud Plus account, depending on your subscription. ICloud Plus plans start at $ 1 per month for 50 GB and camera support, and goes up to $ 10 per month for unlimited camera support and 2 TB of data.

HomePod Mini as Apple TV speakers

Select one or a pair of HomePod mini as the default speakers for your Apple TV 4K for rich sound and clear dialogue

Only one HomePod Mini or a pair of HomePod Minis can now be your Apple TV’s default speakers. Previously you could use HomePod Minis as a stereo pair for Apple TV, but the default integration makes this much easier.

Updated media controls

Media playback controls automatically appear on your iPhone’s lock screen when a HomePod mini playing music is nearby

Now, it’ll be easier to control your HomePod or HomePod Mini from your lock screen when you’re nearby and it’s streaming. The HomePod already has the handy transfer feature to transfer music from your iPhone to your HomePod Mini by hovering over it.

Adjust the bass level

Set a lower bass level to enjoy music without disturbing the neighbors

You can now further adjust your HomePod and HomePod Mini speakers with a lower bass level. Dolby Atmos (spatial audio) and lossless music were beta tested this year, but don’t appear on the iOS 15 update list.

Control Apple TV with Siri

Ask Siri to turn on your Apple TV, start playing a favorite movie, and control playback while you watch

In addition to setting your HomePod Minis as the default speakers for your Apple TV, you will now be able to start playing content and control playback with Siri. Google Assistant and Chromecast, and Alexa and Fire TV also have this feature.

Smarter volume control

Siri automatically adjusts its speech level based on the room environment and user volume

Like recent Nest and Alexa devices, Siri will now automatically adjust its volume when it responds to you based on both the amount of ambient noise in the room and your own speaking volume. Alexa can either whisper Where yell.

Siri in more places

Extend HomePod access throughout your home by activating Siri voice control on compatible HomeKit accessories

HomeKit developers can now enable “Hey Siri” in third-party products by routing requests through a user’s HomePod or HomePod Mini. You’ll be able to do things like ask Siri to send a message, set a reminder, or broadcast an intercom message from these devices. This could include devices like smart thermostats and other speakers.

Home keys

Add house keys to Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch, then just tap to unlock a compatible HomeKit door lock for seamless access to your home. House keys live in the Wallet app along with other important items like your car keys and credit cards

You will be able to press to unlock compatible door locks from Home level, August and Yale Assure line.

SharePlay (coming later this fall)

SharePlay will allow you to share video or audio through FaceTime calls. Multi-device support means you’ll be able to sign in through FaceTime on your iPhone while watching videos on your Apple TV or listening to music on your HomePod.

To update your HomePod or HomePod Mini to iOS 15, go to Home settings in the Apple Home app.