Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Apple iOS 18.4 Update Brings Robot Vacuum Integration via Matter Protocol
The latest iOS 18.4 update from Apple, launched on Monday, delivers welcome news for users of robot vacuums. This update introduces native support for controlling and integrating robot vacuums into Apple Home automations and scenes through the Matter protocol. Leading manufacturers like Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs are releasing firmware updates to ensure their robovacs achieve full compatibility with Apple Home following the official iOS 18.4 rollout. This enhancement streamlines smart home device management for Apple users.
Roborock Expands Matter Support Across Premium Models
Roborock has announced a firmware update that significantly “enhances the implementation of the Matter protocol across several of its premium robot vacuum models,” according to a company press release.
The Roborock models slated to receive expanded Matter support include:
- S8 MaxV Ultra
- Saros Z70
- Saros 10
- Saros 10R
- Qrevo Curv
- Qrevo Edge
- Qrevo Master
Roborock indicated that these supported models will receive the firmware update between April 1st and April 10th. This update will enable users to operate their robovacs via the Home app on various Apple devices, such as iPhone, Apple Watch, HomePod, and iPad. Furthermore, the update is designed to bolster connectivity and Matter support with other smart home platforms, including Google Home and Amazon Alexa. This cross-platform compatibility is a core objective of the Matter protocol, aiming to unify smart home device ecosystems.
Further Roborock Models to Gain Matter Compatibility
Roborock confirmed that additional models, including the Roborock S8 Max Ultra and Qrevo Slim, are also scheduled to receive Matter support through updates planned for release “in the upcoming weeks and months.”
iRobot’s Roomba Embraces Matter and Apple Home
iRobot has declared that its Roomba Combo 10 Max robot and Auto Wash Dock, which debuted last August, will be the company’s initial robovac to be “compliant with Matter protocol and compatible with the Apple Home ecosystem.” Users will gain the ability to initiate, halt, and schedule cleaning cycles for designated rooms using the Home app or through Siri voice commands.
Ecovacs Initiates Phased Rollout of Matter Updates
Ecovacs is also implementing Matter 1.4 firmware updates across a selection of its robot vacuums, encompassing the Deebot X2, X2 Combo, T50, T50 Max, and X8, commencing today. The updates will be “rolling out across these models in phases,” according to Ecovacs’ Associate Brand Marketing Director, Michelle Jones.
Matter Protocol Streamlines Basic Robot Vacuum Functions in Apple Home
Apple initially revealed support for robot vacuums within Apple Home through Matter at WWDC 2024, highlighting it as a key feature of iOS 18. However, it’s noted that the initial feature set will focus on fundamental controls, including power management, switching between vacuuming and mopping modes, and room-specific cleaning directives. Advanced functionalities, such as mapping and setting up restricted zones for robovacs, are not yet supported by Matter. Consequently, these advanced features may remain exclusively accessible through each manufacturer’s proprietary application.