The Home app is getting a lot of attention in iOS 16 with a completely redesigned design. Additions and changes to the redesigned interface include a new user interface and iconography, customizable sections, fresh wallpapers, a more user-friendly interface, and more.
The Home app is long overdue for improvements, and this year with iOS 16, Apple is releasing a major update to work with HomeKit.
iOS 16 is currently available as a developer beta. The free public beta of iOS 16 is due out in July. Learn more about installing iOS 16 in our complete guide.
iOS 16 Home app: what’s new and how does it work?
Here’s an in-depth look at what’s new in the iOS 16 Home app…
New interface and iconography
The default iOS 16 Home app layout now has:
New top category buttons. HomeKit cameras are at the top of the app, below are Scenes and Favorites. Finally, you will see that your other devices are organized by room.
For the new top category buttons, the new functionality includes displaying all HomeKit devices, scenes, and the data associated with them.
For example, clicking the top Climate category displays my Ecobee smart thermostat, our HomeKit-enabled ceiling fans (Lutron Caseta), temperature and humidity, and scenes that include any of these Climate devices.
Button Changes
One notable update to the Home app is a big shift in how buttons work to control HomeKit devices.
In iOS 15 and earlier, you had to tap a device tile to turn it on or off, and press and hold to get a more detailed control UI with elements like colors, sliders, and more for fine-grained control.
Now in the iOS 16 Home app, the buttons behave like this:
Tap on the far left (circle icon) to turn devices on or off. Click on the middle or right side of the button to see the detailed control user interface. Press and hold to view editing/setting options and device information.
Another new feature is the ability to resize device buttons, it’s a bit hidden, but here’s how it works:
Improved Settings
In iOS 15, the ability to access the Home app settings has been removed. Now in the iOS 16 Home app, Apple has moved the general settings and other settings buttons to the top.
The + icon in the top right includes the ability to add an accessory, scene, automation, room, people, or a new home.
Custom Sections
A really nice improvement in the iOS 16 Home app is the ability to reorder sections. As shown in the image above, “Reorder Sections” allows you to customize the overall organization. And choosing Edit Home View lets you reorder the devices in that category (previously available in iOS 15).
New iOS 16 Home App Wallpapers
Another nice update is brand new wallpapers. The one shown in the screenshots above is one of them with 10 lovely gradient options – of course you can also use a custom photo. All built-in wallpapers look new.
Tap the three-dot circle in the top left corner of the Home app. Select “Main Settings”. Swipe down. Tap Select from Existing under Main Wallpaper, then the built-in options will appear at the top.
Tidbits of the iOS 16 Home App
Additional details include:
The Automation tab and interface are basically the same. Rooms are now under the three dots icon in the top right corner. The Discover tab stays at the bottom of the Home app for new insights. The iPad will work as downgraded home hubs.
What do you like most about the new iOS 16 Home app? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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