Mikey Campbell
Apple on Thursday refuted claims that software issues have forced the company to push back its HomeKit Internet of Things initiative, saying the first compatible devices are on schedule to launch in June.
Earlier today, Fortune reported that Apple would push an official HomeKit launch to fall after key software components "blew up." Apple subsequently debunked those claims in a statement provided to The Wall Street Journal.
"HomeKit [certification] has been available for just a few months and we already have dozens of partners who have committed to bringing HomeKit accessories to market and we're looking forward to the first ones coming next month," said Trudy Muller, an Apple spokesperson.
The HomeKit framework was unveiled as a future iOS product at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2014. The Apple-backed protocol lets iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners access and control to compliant connected home products and appliances, like light switches and thermostats.
Apple started accepting applications for device certification in November.
Along with Apple's strict quality assurance regulations, customers can expect unique features like the ability to issue voice commands to smart home hardware via the Siri virtual assistant.
Amber Neely
Andrew Orr
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
16 Comments
Yet, that didn't stop this website from re-publishing this spurious report before any type of confirmation.
but...a rumor that something I'm not expecting is taking longer than expected is concerning. I am concerned. quality must be slipping. Jobs would never let software rumors slip. Yada, yada.
I'm getting whiplash over here...
Like I wrote in the original article...
You have to just love an exclusive that includes...
To be clear, Apple has never announced a launch date for HomeKit, but partners had said during this year’s CES, the annual consumer electronics trade show, to expect something in spring. One partner had told Re/code to expect products in time for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.
And the story goes viral more as fact than fiction.
It was very odd Fortune published the story while knowing both Broadcom and GE had recently announced products that worked with HomeKit. Hell, Broadcom announced hardware and SDK support for HomeKit earlier this week!
Has Fortune found a way to get Apple to talk? I also didn't know what the release timeframe for HomeKit products was. Now we know.