[2] With Apple Home, developers are able to create complex applications in order to manage accessories at a high level.

Messages from HomeKit are continuously sent to powered devices, which incorporate fields which recognize the specific accessory and what category it is under.

[13] On December 18, 2019, Apple announced it would be working closely with Samsung, Amazon, and Google to create an open standard for smart home automation called Matter.

[14] Matter aims to reduce fragmentation across different vendors, and achieve interoperability among smart home devices and Internet of things (IoT) platforms from different providers.

[15] The project was delayed to fall 2022 due to "unprecedented interest" by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA).

[19] The app also added support for automations using a home hub, and preprogrammed scenes which can set multiple devices using a single command.

With Apple's operating systems released in 2022, including iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, Home received a major redesign to make the app easier to navigate, and allows users to upgrade to a new architecture which was rebuilt from the ground up to be more efficient for users with multiple Apple Home devices.

They lack a graphical user interface to control Apple Home devices and instead use Siri voice commands.

[24] As of iOS 16, Apple TVs (4th generation or newer) and all HomePod family speakers are fully supported as home hubs to control Apple Home appliances remotely, grant guest access, and set up automations.

Routers approved by the program restrict devices from accessing unauthorized services or data to minimize exposure to potential cyber threats.

Users can also receive intelligent notifications based on specific activities, such as recognizing people, animals, vehicles and packages.

iOS 18 introduced support for hands-free home keys that use the ultra-wideband chip in iPhones (11 or newer, excluding SE models) and Apple Watches (Series 6 or newer, excluding SE models) to automatically unlock a smart lock when a user approaches it.