Apple's Home app got a boost in iOS 26 with Adaptive Temperature, a feature that learns when you’re heading home, sleeping or away and tells compatible thermostats to pre‑heat or save energy. The Aqara Smart Thermostat W200 was the first device to support it, acting as a Matter 1.4 hub with Thread and Zigbee built‑in, and letting users control climate from a 4‑inch touchscreen.

Apple Home also welcomed the Aqara Smart Lock U400, the inaugural lock to combine Home Key credentials with UWB. UWB lets the door detect a user’s precise location, automatically locking or unlocking as they approach, which Apple markets as more secure and reliable than Bluetooth‑based solutions. Setup stays within the Home app, and access can be shared with guests.

iOS 26.2 trimmed the hassle of adding several accessories at once by allowing a single QR code to enroll an entire multipack—smart plugs, bulbs, sensors, and more—in one tap. For renters and frequent movers, that shortcut cuts setup time dramatically. Combined with the thermostat and lock upgrades, Apple’s incremental Home app tweaks signal a stronger push toward a more cohesive, Matter‑compatible ecosystem.