iOS 10 Features: Apple May Include Standalone HomeKit App

It looks like we may have finally got some concrete information regarding Apple's forthcoming iOS 10 software. New reports are suggesting the company is planning to introduce a standalone HomeKit app to avoid having users jump between third-party programs to complete their work.

According to MacRumors, the news comes from an Amazon reviewer who claims they work in the marketing department for Apple. The name of the reviewer coincides with the LinkedIn profile of a marketing employee at the company. The site goes on to say it has confirmed that the Amazon review was created by the Apple employee. The reviewer said:

"As I work in marketing for Apple, we test many Smart Home devices, especially for iOS HomeKit integration. [...] Some advice, there are many third party applications, most free, that offer more control and customization(s) with many Smart Home devices. "Yonomi" is a free app that I often use, "Home" is another which cost $14.99. Both offer support for many devices with more added daily (including Amazon "Echo"). The next version of iOS due this fall will have a standalone "HomeKit" app as well."

While the information has been verified as true, Apple could change its plans ahead of the release of iOS 10.

Previously, Apple has trademarked a HomeKit app icon (which can be seen here) that could potentially be used for the standalone application. Furthermore, rumors indicate that the app will simply be called "Home."

Bringing a cohesive app to HomeKit will go a long way towards improving the experience for users. At the present time HomeKit users with multiple products must rely on several different product apps all with different features.

As it it, Apple adding a standalone app for HomeKit will give the company a competitive edge over others such as Google.

iOS 10 is rumored to be revealed at WWDC 2016 in June.