Photo: Apple
Apple Home is Apple's connected-home platform: it is used through the Home app on iPhone, iPad and Mac, with an Apple Account and Home turned on in iCloud. The app is free and controls accessories compatible with HomeKit or Matter; some features, such as HomeKit Secure Video, require an iCloud+ plan. Home app data is stored encrypted, and accessories are controlled directly by Apple devices rather than by the cloud, with end-to-end encrypted communications.
Much depends on the home hub, a HomePod, HomePod mini or Apple TV: it is needed to add Matter accessories, to control the home remotely and for automations. With a Matter-compatible robot vacuum and the updated Home architecture, the robot can be started from the app or by an automation, for example when leaving home. Asking Siri to clean a specific room requires a robot with Matter 1.4 and works only in English (U.S.).
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Platform cost | Free, with an optional subscription | Manufacturer · September 2026 |
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Usable without an account | No | Manufacturer · September 2026 |
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Matter controller | Yes | Manufacturer · September 2026 |
| Public developer API | Yes | Manufacturer · September 2026 |
| Open source | No | Compiled by editorial team · September 2026 |
Chosen by the declared use tier and footprint, not by price: we don't publish prices.
Same tier, different manufacturer