Apple introduces EnergyKit in iOS 26
Apple’s Home app is gaining a new framework, EnergyKit, enabling developers to tap into electricity usage and clean‑energy data on iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. This includes “EnergyKit Guidance” to help smart thermostats and EV chargers react to peak pricing or clean‑energy availability. Compatible with PG&E and select devices now, it lays groundwork for robust home energy management systems via Matter integration.
Thread 1.4 support is coming to tvOS 26
Apple’s upcoming tvOS 26 adds support for Thread 1.4, allowing Apple TVs and HomePods to join existing Thread mesh networks rather than spawning new ones. This tackles fragmentation issues, though full cross‑platform support (Google, Amazon, Samsung) likely won’t complete until late 2025 or early 2026
Google rolled out nine new Home app features in a public preview
Google is adding:
- Picture‑in‑picture streaming of Nest cams on TV
- Gemini‑powered voice intercom and camera‑clip search
- Nest Protect integration for smoke/CO alerts
- Matter lock improvements
- More presence‑based automations
- Pixel Home Summary widget
These updates deliver broader controller capabilities in Google’s ecosystem.
Samsung Bespoke AI fridges learn individual voices
Samsung’s new smart refrigerators with AI-enabled Family Hub can recognize different family members via Bixby. They personalize the display with calendars, photos, and accessibility features synced from users’ phones.
Matter 1.4.1 introduces smoother device onboarding
The Matter IoT standard (backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung) launched version 1.4.1 on May 7, 2025. It adds NFC tap-to-pair, multi-device QR onboarding, and in-app acceptance of T&C’s—streamlining setup flows. Meanwhile, full integration of security cameras and smart speakers is still on track for late 2025 .
Trends shaping 2025 in home IoT
According to expert analysis:
- Energy efficiency & sustainability: AI-driven devices, smart grids, solar and battery integration are becoming mainstream.
- Matter adoption accelerating: The standard now supports more device types, bolstered by NFC onboarding and Thread 1.4.
- AI in everyday life: Voice assistants, predictive routines, wellness trackers, and automated chores are rising.
- Security & interoperability: Standards like Matter, Thread, Wi‑Fi are embedding stronger protections amid a growing device ecosystem.
What it means for you
Better energy control: Emerging frameworks and standards are enabling smarter, cost‑aware automation within your home.
Seamless network experience: Upcoming Thread and Matter advancements promise more stable and unified smart-home connections.
Smoother installation: Tap-to‑pair and QR‑based Matter setups will significantly reduce onboarding friction.
Smarter personalization: Products like Samsung’s voice‑aware fridge show how appliances are becoming more intimately tuned to user needs.