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WWDC 2026: Apple Home upgrades and third‑party smart gear

AppleInsider •
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Apple wrapped up WWDC 2026 by unveiling upgrades to Apple Home, HomePod and Apple TV. The OS now handles 2K and 4K camera feeds, while Apple Intelligence powers on‑device video processing and smarter notifications. Smart Home Insider’s team spent a week testing the beta, noting smoother scene creation and quicker response times across the ecosystem, improving overall reliability.

Beyond Apple’s core announcements, Govee launched the Smart Ice Maker 2 Pro, a bullet‑style unit that churns a batch in three minutes and offers RGB lighting plus scheduling. It lacks Matter or Apple Home compatibility until an ice‑maker category appears. Sonos updated its app to integrate Shortcuts, letting users automate speaker groups, volume and playback with a tap and can be controlled via the Home app.

Signify rounded out the week with a Hue Bridge update that syncs Philips Hue lights to live sports scores, including the World Cup, creating real‑time ambience. For listeners who want an ad‑free experience, AppleInsider charges $5 a month via the Podcasts app or Patreon. The roundup shows Apple’s ecosystem tightening while third‑party makers chase similar integration pathways for smart homes.