Apple is all set to unveil its new mobile operating system iOS 9 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is less than a month away. The iPhone maker has confirmed that the first HomeKit devices would arrive in June. Customers are going to need a centralized remote control for all these home devices. That remote control will come in the form of ‘Home’ app with the iOS 9, reports Caitlin McGarry of MacWord.
Apple testing the new app for iOS 9
You’ll be able to control all of the HomeKit gadgets using the app. The Home app will let you connect and control compatible smart home products such as thermostats, WiFi garage door openers, door locks, security camera, lightbulbs, etc. using your iPhone or iPad. The new app will create a virtual representation of rooms at home to organize and connect HomeKit devices in a visually appealing way.
This way, you can adjust, switch on, or switch off smart home accessories even without looking at it. The Home app in iOS 9 is currently represented by a ‘house’ glyph with a dark yellow background. At this point, it is reportedly ‘fairly basic’ in functionality. Apple TV will serve as a hub for connecting HomeKit devices. It will offer a series of screens to help you find new HomeKit apps and devices.
The first HomeKit accessories to come out next month
Apple TV will reportedly be refreshed this year, alongside a TV streaming service. An Apple spokesperson said last week that the company had “dozens of partners who have committed to bringing HomeKit accessories” to market. The first ones will arrive next month. The Cupertino company announced HomeKit last year as part of the iOS 8, but customers have not been able to use it yet.
Separately, 9to5Mac reports that the iOS 9 Monarch and OS X 10.11 will get a refreshed look, thanks to a new system font initially developed for the Apple Watch. The Cupertino company will replace the Helvetica Neue that came to iOS 7 with the new San Francisco font. The new font is a bit flashier and more readable.
Apple shares fell 0.12% to $129.91 in pre-market trading Thursday.
