Apple's upcoming Siri AI overhaul will transform smart home control, making 2026 the ideal moment to invest in HomeKit-compatible devices. A new wave of Apple HomeKit and Siri devices is hitting the market as Apple prepares to launch its most advanced AI-powered Siri, offering deeper automation and integration across the smart home ecosystem. The Cupertino giant is set to unveil major updates at WWDC 2025, including enhanced natural language understanding and context-aware commands that will let users control lights, locks, and thermostats with unprecedented precision. This shift positions Apple to challenge Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant in the smart home arena, a market projected to exceed $200 billion by 2027.
Industry observers expect Apple to introduce a dedicated home hub with a 7-inch display, codenamed 'HomeAccessory,' alongside a new HomePod mini with improved audio and Thread radio support. Third-party manufacturers are racing to certify devices under the Matter protocol, which now covers over 50% of new smart home products—ensuring seamless compatibility with HomeKit. Key players like Lutron, Eve Systems, and Schlage already offer Thread-enabled solutions that benefit from lower latency and improved reliability.
Consumers face a strategic choice: buy current devices that will receive software updates or wait for hardware arriving in late 2025. Experts recommend investing now in certified products, as the same devices will unlock advanced features through iOS 19's Siri AI. "The foundation is being laid for a smarter, more intuitive home," says a senior analyst at IDC. The coming year will see a surge in adoption, with HomeKit device sales expected to grow 18% in 2026.
Looking ahead, Apple's smart home strategy hinges on three pillars: on-device AI processing, end-to-end encryption, and a unified platform that outshines rivals on security. Milestones to watch include the official HomePod 2 launch, third-party bug fixes in Matter 2.0, and the rollout of Siri's ability to understand multiple commands simultaneously. For anyone building a smarter home, 2026 marks the inflection point where Apple's ecosystem becomes the safest, most capable choice.
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Best Apple HomeKit and Siri Devices to Buy in 2026
As Apple prepares for Siri AI and new Apple Home capabilities, it's never been a better time to buy a compatible device.
Tyler Lacoma
CNET
2 min read
5/10
Key Takeaways
- Apple's Siri AI upgrade, expected in iOS 19, will enable contextual home automation like 'Dim the lights and lock the door when I say goodnight.'
- Over 50% of new smart home devices in 2025 support the Matter protocol, dramatically improving HomeKit compatibility across brands.
- Sales of HomeKit-compatible devices are projected to grow 18% year-over-year in 2026, driven by Apple Intelligence features.
- Apple is rumored to launch a dedicated home hub with a 7-inch display and Thread radio in late 2025, likely called 'HomeAccessory.'
- Adoption of Thread technology in smart locks, sensors, and bulbs reduces latency and improves reliability for HomeKit users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top HomeKit devices for 2026 include the latest HomePod and Apple TV 4K, along with third-party products from Eve Systems, Lutron, and Schlage that support Thread and Matter. These devices will be enhanced by Apple's upcoming Siri AI upgrade.
Siri AI will bring context-aware commands and multi-step automations, such as 'Start my morning routine' triggering lights, blinds, and coffee maker simultaneously. It will also understand natural language better, reducing the need for specific phrases.
Yes, Matter is crucial because it ensures that devices from different brands (e.g., Amazon, Google, Samsung) work seamlessly with HomeKit. Over 50% of new smart home devices now support Matter, making it easier to build a cross-platform smart home.
Analysts expect Apple to launch a dedicated home hub in late 2025 or early 2026. The device is rumored to have a 7-inch display, a new chip for on-device AI processing, and Thread radio for faster device communication.
It's safe to buy current HomeKit products that are Matter- or Thread-certified, as they will receive software updates to support Siri AI features. Waiting may bring hardware improvements, but existing devices will not become obsolete.
Thread is a low-power mesh networking protocol that connects smart home devices directly without needing a hub. It reduces latency, extends range, and improves reliability—key for HomeKit users who want responsive automations.
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