Apple is launching several new Home products next week, so it’s no surprise that iOS 27 includes big upgrades in the Home app. Here are two powerful new Home features in iOS 27.
#1: HomeKit Secure Video packs big upgrades in iOS 27
HomeKit Secure Video is Apple’s secure, cloud-based service included with iCloud+ for compatible video cameras. It lets you record footage, view it from anywhere, and set up activity automations.
In iOS 27, Apple Intelligence powers three new HomeKit Secure Video upgrades :
- Generated video descriptions: “users can quickly understand what happened across a sequence of video clips, even without watching them.”
- Search in clips: “[users] can easily find what they’re looking for, like a package delivery.”
- Noteworthy clips: “At the top of the Search page, the Home app elevates noteworthy clips that users may want to review, so they can quickly see important moments.”
Joining these is a fourth feature, not powered by AI, that’s been on users’ wishlists for a while: 4K video. Apple says, “supported HomeKit Secure Video cameras can now stream and record in 4K.” Previously, 1080p was the max resolution.
If you’re looking for a HomeKit Secure Video-compatible camera, I’d recommend:
- Aqara G100 2K security camera: Excellent budget-friendly option currently only $33
- eufy 4K security camera: For 4K support if you have more to spend
#2: Real-time notification updates
Most of the Home app’s upgrades this year focus on HomeKit Secure Video. But there’s also another AI-powered new feature: real-time updating notifications.
Here’s how Apple describes it:
The Home app draws on Apple Intelligence to understand related notifications as a single activity, so users receive one notification that updates as the activity happens.
Inside a new Apple Intelligence section of the Home app’s settings screen, you’ll see a ‘Reduce Notifications’ toggle. It explains: “Combine related activities, such as someone arriving and unlocking the door, in one notification that updates in real time.”
Essentially, Home app notifications will stop showing outdated information, and only focus on the latest, most relevant info.
So instead of seeing the seven related notifications above, you’ll get one alert that says: ”Lydia arrived. Checked the mail. Garage Door was closed.”
Which new Home app features in iOS 27 are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.
Best Apple Home accessories
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