HomeKit

Apple's HomeKit Secure Video uses end-to-end encryption, with video analysis performed locally on a HomePod or Apple TV.

HomeView is a brand-new smart home hub launched by Apple, through which users can uniformly control various accessories and interact with applications.

HomeKit devices must pass Apple's MFi certification to connect, pairing data is managed locally and encrypted by the iOS device, and core features include scene automation, cross-device linkage and HomeKit Secure Video.

The HomeView is positioned as the smart hub of the home, rather than a simple extension of a tablet.

Apple is one of the main initiators of Matter, and its devices usually support HomeKit, Thread, and Matter at the same time.

Jony Ive previously led the design of iconic Apple products including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and MacBook.

The Apple Home certification system (formerly HomeKit) requires third-party hardware to pass MFi certification, carry Apple-specified security chips or software authentication modules, and follow the HAP protocol.

HomeKit distinguishes two types of permissions, residents and guests: residents can add and remove devices and modify automations, while guests can only control authorized accessories.

HomeKit emphasizes local processing and end-to-end encryption, and many automation actions can be completed on the home hub device without going through the cloud.

HomeView's most core feature selling point is controlling a large number of smart home devices and deeply integrating with the HomeKit ecosystem.

HomeKit's high security policy has led to slow growth in the number of compatible devices and high onboarding costs for third-party manufacturers.

In the collaboration with LG and Schneider, Apple is responsible for the core HomeKit integration and software experience, while LG and Schneider provide support in hardware manufacturing and electrical infrastructure respectively.

HomeKit does not directly produce hardware; its core selling points are localized processing and privacy protection, and its limitation is that it is only a software standard layer with no hub screen of its own.

tvOS is the TV operating system developed by Apple for the Apple TV series, known for its app store ecosystem and deep coordination with iPhone, iPad, and AirPods, and supports AirPlay screen mirroring, Continuity, and HomeKit smart home hub functionality.

HomeView is a hub layer moved further up on top of HomeKit, with the goal of unifying scattered control entry points, application interactions, and cross-device linkage under a single interface.

HomeKit remains the underlying protocol and access standard, while HomeView is more like an upper-layer scheduling and interaction interface for users and developers.

Due to high certification barriers and a limited range of compatible device types, HomeKit's ecosystem expansion has long been slower than Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Matter devices are cross-platform compatible, and HomeKit is one of the first platforms to support Matter.

HomeKit automation rules often fail because the iPhone serving as the controller leaves home, and the launch of the hub solves the pain point of HomeKit's "headless operation."

A device must pass HomeKit certification (the MFi program) to be directly recognized and controlled by the system-level "Home" app, and to support Siri voice, automation scenes, and end-to-end encryption.