Even though Apple recently released iOS 26.5, the company hasn’t focused too much on its Home app since iOS 26 launched last fall. Still, those who rely on the Home app to control their home and smart devices have benefited from a few improvements, including one that directly affects HomePod speakers.
According to rumors, Apple is preparing to launch a brand-new Apple TV 4K, new HomePod models, a HomePod that combines a HomePod with an iPad screen, security cameras, and even a locker with Face ID. Since we may have to wait until the iOS 27 announcement or even later to learn more about these upcoming products, here are some of the notable changes Apple added to the Home app in iOS 26.
Adaptive temperature
One of the main features of iOS 26 regarding the Home app is adaptive temperature. After all, thermostats are only useful if you don’t think about them all the time. With the latest software update, you can let your iPhone do the hard work of predicting when you’ll get home and then suggest the perfect temperature for you. So every time you come home from work, take your kids to school, or experience a terribly hot or cold day, the temperature in your home will be exactly what you like.
In addition to adjusting the temperature to your preferences, this feature is great for saving energy when you’re away from home, since the house doesn’t need to be as hot or cold if no one is around. Using on-device intelligence, Apple says this feature gets information about your routine by understanding your sleep schedule created on the iPhone, and it leaves the ideal temperature every time you go to bed or wake up.
To take advantage of this feature, Apple says users must have an Apple TV or HomePod and a compatible Matter thermostat. Users also need to meet a few requirements, including having the latest software update on their smart home device and enabling location services for the Home app and home accessories.
A new Liquid Glass experience
In addition to a revamped Home app icon, Apple offers a new Clear icon and updated default, dark, and tinted options. Once users open the Home app in iOS 26, for example, they’ll use the new Liquid Glass UI for navigation, as the bottom tabs are now in a hover bar.
By swiping through the “Home,” “Automation,” and “Discovery” tabs, users can learn more about the Liquid Glass experience in the app and how Apple has prioritized content. Finally, the company also updated the buttons and the way interaction occurs when you tap related products in the Home app.
AirPlay improvements and registration of several accessories
With the latest software update, when your HomePod plays songs via AirPlay, everyone added to the Home app can see what’s playing, control the music, and even choose which HomePod speakers play the song. This gives everyone more freedom to enjoy a collaborative sound experience. Apple also improved AirPlay with Siri, so you can ask Siri to play on other HomePod speakers in your home.
The fourth change came a little later with iOS 26.2. With this update, Apple added multi-pack accessory pairing. Basically, if you need to register multiple accessories from the same manufacturer, like bulbs, light strips, or anything else that supports the latest Matter standard, you can use the same setup code, making it a simpler experience to pair them all to your Home app and then control them with your iPhone, iPad, or smart home hub. Previously, you had to match them one by one, which made the process much longer than necessary.
Aqara Smart Lock integration
Before Apple’s secret smart lock with Face ID support was launched at CES 2026, Aqara probably launched the best smart lock on the market today. Along with the Aqara U400 smart lock, it’s the first device of its kind to support Apple’s ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, meaning you don’t need to hold your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock your door. As you approach the door, Apple’s ultra-wideband technology will unlock the door for you, which is especially useful if your hands are full.
Ultra-wideband technology was recently improved with a second-generation chip in the iPhone 16 or newer. Still, every major iPhone model since the iPhone 11 and every Apple Watch model since the Series 6 have ultra-wideband technology. What’s best about this smart lock is that you can also share access with guests, so even if you’re not home, you can send a temporary digital key to a friend or family member. Other authentication methods include passwords and fingerprints.
Unlike other smart lockers that use Bluetooth, the ultra-wideband chip is much more precise, allowing it to identify your device even if it’s in your pocket or on your wrist, so you don’t have to worry about picking it up or approaching your door with your device in hand.
