These HomeKit improvements are coming with iOS 14

HomeKit is getting an update with iOS 14, which we're expecting to arrive later in the year. Let's do a quick rundown under the cut on what Apple announced at WWDC 2020 about changing when it comes to your smart home setup:

Adaptive lighting

HomeKit is finally getting native adaptive lighting. You will be able to automate the colour temperature changes of your lights to shift throughout the day. Think of it as the Night Shift feature available on Macs and iOS devices.

Automations and status screen

The Home app will suggest automation settings to make it easier to navigate through your smart home, like opening the garage when you come home. And when you open the Home app now, there's a new visual status screen at top that lets you know what smart home accessories need your attention.

Facial recognition

When it comes to your smart cameras, HomeKit Secure Video now has facial recognition classification. It'll identify any familiar faces you've tagged in your Photos app.

Your Apple TV and HomePod can support this feature. If someone is ringing a HomeKit-enabled doorbell and you're watching on your Apple TV, a picture-in-picture feed will appear on your screen to show you who is at the door. If your HomePod is on, it can announce when someone is at the door. It can even let you know who it is if it's identified who is on the other side of the door.

Activity zones

iOS 14 will bring activity zones to HomeKit. Allowing you to define the most critical areas your cameras should focus on.

Source: HomeKit Authority