Learn Apple HomeKit on iOS: A Home Automation Guide for Developers, Designers, and Homeowners

This book is the complete guide to Apple’s home automation technology, HomeKit. You’ll learn the HomeKit platform structure and how it supports devices―existing and planned―and you’ll get a thorough grounding on new and useful apps that deliver a new generation of home automation in a secure and innovative environment.

Learn Apple HomeKit on the Mac and iOS shows you how to move to secure, home automation projects that integrate with your digital world automatically―after you set them up as described in the book. Having your calendar and appointments control your lights, locks, thermostat, and other home devices is the heart of home automation. In homes and small offices, you can banish notes taped to switches and controls that say, “Do not turn off this switch” or “Leave the thermostat alone.” The book gets you up to speed on HomeKit, and it also answers some of the pesky questions, such as “What happens when the power goes out?”

Along the way there are tips and suggestions for app developers, hardware manufacturers, interior designers, and real estate professionals. For programmers, there’s an entire chapter (plus sections in other chapters) dedicated to the core coding issues. For non-programmers, this book is the perfect resource mastering the amazing potential of Apple HomeKit.

With a knowledge of the framework, you can start from HomeKit and let your imagination run wild as you design compatible devices with unlimited capabilities. Go build your killer app, your game-changing product, or service!

What You Will Learn

• For device developers, understanding the structure of HomeKit―homes, rooms, and accessories―enables you to build devices that are easily managed by a single, simple source and interface.
• For DIY home networking users will gain a thorough knowledge of how they can adapt HomeKit to their existing spaces.
• For programmers, there’s an entire chapter plus sections in other chapters dedicated to the core coding issues you’ll need to learn.
• For non-programmers, this book is your perfect resource for easily getting your mind around the amazing potential of Apple HomeKit.

Author Jesse Feiler develops, consults, and writes about Apple technologies with an emphasis on mobile and location-based apps.

Who This Book Is For

Device developers, DIY home networking users, programmers, and those interested in integrating their iOS devices with their IoT devices.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Bringing Home Automation Home
Chapter 2: Exploring the HomeKit World
Chapter 3: Adding Scenes—The Practical Part of HomeKit
Chapter 4: Exploring Your Development Environment
Chapter 5: Working with HomeKit Accessories
Chapter 6: Exploring the HomeKit World as a Developer, Designer, or Device Manufacturer
Chapter 7: Dive into Accessories
Chapter 8: Imaginative Opportunities: Events, Triggers, and Actions
Chapter 9: Working with iCloud and Users with HomeKit