Menu
Topic 2 Posts

HomeKit

EnergyKit in iOS 26 Signals Apple’s Push Toward Smarter, Greener Home Energy Use

By Robert DeLuca in HomeKit on

EnergyKit: An Ambitious Step for HomeKit and Residential Sustainability

Apple's announcement of the EnergyKit framework in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 marks a deliberate expansion of the HomeKit ecosystem into dynamic energy management. As reported by AppleInsider and 9to5Mac, EnergyKit is designed for developers to build applications that help HomeKit users shift high-demand energy activities to cleaner and cheaper periods, further integrating Apple’s environmental priorities into daily household routines.

Personalized Grid Forecasts—A New Frontier for Home Apps

EnergyKit stands out by providing apps access to real-time, personalized grid forecasts, including carbon intensity data and time-based electricity rates. When users authorize their utility account through the Home app, supported apps—initially including those targeting HVAC and electric vehicle (EV) charging—can recommend or automate the optimal time to run appliances or charge vehicles based on both environmental impact and potential cost savings.

  • Key capability: EnergyKit takes a data-driven approach,
…

Apple’s tvOS 26 Integrates Thread 1.4, Elevating Apple Home Connectivity

By Robert DeLuca in tvOS 26 on

tvOS 26 and the Strategic Advance of Apple Home

Apple’s commitment to smart home leadership takes a notable step forward with tvOS 26. According to multiple sources including AppleInsider and 9to5Mac, the forthcoming update introduces support for Thread 1.4 across compatible Apple TV 4K models, significantly enhancing the reliability and responsiveness of HomeKit environments.

What Thread 1.4 Means for Smart Home Enthusiasts

Thread, a low-power, IP-based wireless protocol, forms self-healing mesh networks among devices, optimizing coverage and stability compared to traditional Wi-Fi. The adoption of Thread 1.4 in tvOS 26, as first identified by Matter Alpha’s analysis of Apple TV network data, brings several notable upgrades:

  • Unified Mesh Network: Devices supporting Thread can communicate seamlessly and extend coverage, reducing dead zones—particularly at the periphery of a home network.
  • Enhanced Network Stability: Thread 1.4 introduces improved management features, giving each node a distinct internet
…