Robot vacuum cleaner integration for Home App
The first beta of iOS 18.3 gives a foretaste of the update: Apple wants to bring Genmojis to Macs and HomeKit integration for vacuum robots.
Hardly time to breathe: Just a few days after the release of iOS 18.2, Apple is already taking the next step and starting the beta phase for iOS 18.3. With a focus on bug fixes and new features, the update should bring some interesting new features.
A breath of fresh air for iOS and more
As usual, Apple sent several operating systems into beta at the same time. In addition to iOS 18.3, the developer versions of iPadOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, watchOS 11.3, tvOS 18.3 and visionOS 2.3 are also available. The new iOS version has build number 22D5034e.
A central feature of the beta is the further development of Siri. Apple's voice assistant should be able to evaluate contextual information such as emails or chat histories in order to provide more precise answers. However, Siri's major overhaul isn't scheduled until late 2025 or early 2026.
iOS 18.3 Beta: Bug fixes and small updates
In addition to improvements to Siri, the beta focuses on fixing bugs:
- Fixed Genmoji: An issue that blocked the creation of personalized emojis has been resolved.
- Writing Tools API reworked: Third-party app developers benefit from a more stable interface and fixed bugs.
The ability to integrate ChatGPT, introduced with iOS 18.2, also remains part of the iOS ecosystem. However, the feature is still only available in select regions.
iOS 18.3 brings Genmoji and HomeKit integration for robot vacuum cleaners
Apple is also expected to introduce the long-awaited HomeKit integration for robot vacuum cleaners with iOS 18.3. This feature allows users to control their cleaning devices directly from Apple Home. Functions such as turning on/off, selecting cleaning mode and monitoring charging status are then available via Apple HomeKit.
If you would like to get an early insight into development, you can test the beta now. The prerequisite for this is registration in the developer program. However, before installation, it is highly recommended to backup the data to mitigate potential problems.
Due to the upcoming Christmas break, another beta is not expected until January 2025. The final version is expected in February or March.
