If you’re using an Eero router, you’ll like this.
Following Apple’s announcement at WWDC 2019 that HomeKit would be supported by routers from Eero, Linksys, and Charter Spectrum, Eero on Monday, Eero today released an update for its Eero and Eero Pro routers, bringing them to version 3.18. The release notes for the update are relatively unexciting, highlighting “improvements to client data accuracy” and “system stability improvements.”
The update also apparently appears to feature preliminary HomeKit support.
Following an update to the latest firmware, the Eero and Eero Pro appear in the Home app as accessories that can be added. Unfortunately, since there’s no valid HomeKit setup code at present, the Home app present an error and states that the Eero routers can’t be added to HomeKit, warning that the Eero routers are still “uncertified” at this point.
Under version 3.17 of the Eero firmware, the Eero routers were invisible to the Home app as nearby accessories. Version 3.18 seems to indicate that progress is being made towards this end.
Apple says HomeKit-enabled routers will offer security benefits, such as the ability to firewall off accessories, preventing them from accessing your entire network. “Enhance security by monitoring the network activity of your Home accessories and preventing unsafe connections,” Apple says.
The Apple website currently lists the Eero, Eero Pro, and Linksys Velop as the three routers slated to add HomeKit support in the future.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via 9to5Mac and Adam Marka