If you’ve been looking forward to asking Siri to command your robot vacuum to tackle the crumbs under your couch, you’ll have to wait a bit longer. Apple has quietly updated its HomeKit roadmap, pushing support for robot vacuums to early 2025. This marks another delay in Apple’s efforts to integrate these devices into its smart home ecosystem, originally teased during the WWDC 2024 keynote.

What was promised?

Initially, Apple had slated robot vacuum support to roll out with an iOS 18 update by late 2024. The feature was set to allow users to control essential vacuum functions—like power, cleaning modes, and battery status—via Siri or Apple’s Home app. This update is part of Apple’s adoption of Matter 1.2, a smart home standard designed to unify device compatibility across platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Unfortunately, Apple now states that this functionality won’t debut until 2025, with limited language support at launch (U.S. English only).

Why the delay?

While Apple hasn’t explicitly explained the postponement, its HomeKit ecosystem’s reliance on manufacturers adopting Matter could play a role. Despite Matter 1.2 standardizing robot vacuum integration, few manufacturers have implemented it yet. For instance, prominent players like iRobot haven’t announced plans to support HomeKit, leaving the field open for lesser-known brands.

This isn’t the only setback in iOS 18’s rollout. Several Apple Intelligence features, including advanced Siri capabilities and ChatGPT-like integrations, have also been delayed. Apple has been gradually rolling out updates, with iOS 18.2 expected to add some AI-powered functionalities later this month. However, features like full Siri upgrades and robust smart home integrations are now pushed into 2025.

What’s next for Apple Home?

The delay underscores challenges in expanding Apple’s smart home ecosystem, but it also reflects the industry’s slow transition to unified standards like Matter. With CES 2025 around the corner, there’s hope that manufacturers will announce more Matter-compatible devices, giving Apple a stronger foundation when its robot vacuum support finally launches.

Until then, users eager for seamless smart home automation might need to rely on third-party platforms or integrations. As Apple plays the long game in smart home tech, it’s clear they aim for polished, reliable functionality—even if it means keeping us waiting.