iOS 10 is, according to Apple CEO Tim Cook, the “biggest release ever” in the iOS universe. For those who haven’t heard: it’s the new operating system from the tech giant set to release this fall (we’d bet on early September). This news is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s going to give some much-needed spit shine and polish to your i-Devices, offering greater functionality and connectivity. On the flipside, it’s going to be a whole new system to learn, which is always a little frustrating at first.
The Sexiest Part of iOS 10
What is really exciting about Apple’s newest proprietary operating system is the addition of their “Home” app. It’s built to work in conjunction with your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch to sync up with almost any smart device you have in your quiver. The more smart items you have in your home, the more stuff you can control right from your current Apple device.
How to Know What Devices Will Work with iOS 10
If you’re hoping to gain mastery over your domain from your iOS device, the simplest thing to seek out are items that interface with Apple’s HomeKit. They’ll say right on the box “Works with Apple HomeKit.” Here’s the sticker to look for:
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If you see that, then the device will happily be able to use the Home app. If you don’t, as is the case with the otherwise wonderful Nest, then it’s probably never going to be part of the party.
What You Need
So that you’re not late to the hubbub, we found 18 smart home devices ready to work with iOS 10 right out of the box. This way you can load up before the rollout. Or, just see the entire list of Apple HomeKit devices to choose from your own favorite brands.
iHome iSP5 WiFi Smart Plug
iHome’s WiFi Smart Plug is the best way to get items like the Amazon Echo and the Nest to interface with your connected house. It can talk to both of them, in addition to providing you with the means to turn an outlet on or off as you see fit. Puchase: $36
ConnectSense Smart Outlet
If you don’t want to interface an Echo or a Nest with your system, then ConnectSense gives you a smart outlet with a pair of plugs to reduce waste. Bigger and simpler than the iSP5, this is the basic power solution. Purchase: $79
Elgato Eve Energy Switch & Power Meter
The final in our list of outlets, the Eve Energy Switch is built for data junkies who need to know exactly how much power is being wasted by their outlet. If this doesn’t matter to you because you aren’t looking to save money on energy, then we suggest you grab one of the options above. Purchase: $45
Philips Hue
The Hue is a whole lighting system that empowers you to not just turn lamps on and off, but to also switch them to different mood lighting arrangements. Get cool blues for relaxing, mellow greens for evenings in, or deep reds for those nights when you capture your nemesis and need a menacing atmosphere. Purchase: $60
ecobee 3
There’s a few smart thermostats that will work with iOS 10 without any extra jiggering. Among them, the ecobee 3 stood out as the most user friendly, and offered the best overall control. It also tends to sense temperature changes more accurately. Purchase: $249
Tado Smart AC Control
Partly a thermostat, this smart AC controller from Tado is specifically for cooling down your house during the summer or heating it in the winter. It’s easy to save on electricity, yet come home to a climate-controlled house with just the touch of a button. Purchase: $169
August Smart Lock
The minimalist smart lock solution, August allows you to issue virtual keys to anyone you choose. They have timers that can be set for as long or as short as is required. All you need is a linked device to secure entry. Purchase: $210
Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt
Those who prize high security will want to step up from the August and grab this heavy-duty lock from Schlage. Makes your home safe as houses, yet offers operation that any child can handle. Purchase: $269
iDevices Socket Wi-Fi Light Bulb Adaptor
There’s no need to buy new lamps, just upgrade your bulbs. The adaptor uses your home network to control the flow of power, making any bulb a smart one so long as there’s WiFi available. Purchase: $79
Hunter Symphony/Signal Ceiling Fans
Either the Symphony or Signal fans from Hunter will do you proud. No more fiddling with chains and switches, now you can give it a spin with just a swipe, select your speed, and go from summer to winter circulation with a tap. Purchase: $329
Elgato Eve Door & Window Sensor
A handy security feature, this will alert you the moment your sanctuary has been violated. Know when someone enters so you can get your lover into the closet or pull out your self-defense weapon of choice to deal out some indiscriminate justice. Purchase: $35
Insteon Hub Pro
You’re going to need a base of operations to run the house, and this is the one to pick. You can customize it to the nines, set multiple moods, and keep multiple devices at the ready for easy one-click alterations that go from top to bottom. Purchase: $71
Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Bridge
For some, the Insteon Hub is overkill. Apartment and cottage dwellers who require less intensive operation of their blinds, lights, and thermostat will find this piece more than equal to the task. Purchase: $84
Withings Home
A next generation nanny cam, Home is your monitoring system for keeping the house secure. Check it from anywhere to watch your kids, dogs, house keepers, or the pool boy.
iDevices Outdoor Switch
Creating a wireless smart home that entirely interfaces with iOS 10 means working outside as well as in. For hanging Christmas lights, illuminating the hot tub, or controlling your back yard projector, nothing has the heavy build and reliability of iDevices. Purchase: $49
First Alert ONELINK Wi-Fi Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Knowing you home is on fire while inside it is pretty easy. Knowing it while you’re at work is a whole other animal. This comes from the premium name in home safety devices, operates seamlessly with iOS 10, and lets you know the second an emergency strikes. Purchase: $99
First Alert Onelink Environment Monitor
It might be enough to monitor the dangers of your house, but also tracking temperature, humidity, and air pressure can make your living situation far more appealing. Also covers carbon monoxide and smoke for full-range home care. Purchase: $100
Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting In-Wall Dimmer Kit
Switching lights on and off is bush league compared to being able to get the exact dimness you need. Set it high for doing work at home, and low for nights of passion when you don’t want to trip over anything. Purchase: $190
SkyBell
A video doorbell which will display whoever is knocking at your chamber door, the SkyBell is an all-inclusive device that can be told when to pester you, and when to let you nap the day away. Purchase: $149
