Roomba expands Matter and HomeKit support to more vacuums – 9to5Mac

The latest firmware update expands Matter compatibility to multiple Roomba models. Here are the details.

More Roomba models are now HomeKit compatible

Users on Reddit report that the latest Roomba firmware update expands compatibility with the Matter smart home protocol, which in practice also enables HomeKit compatibility via Apple’s Home app on iOS 18.4 or later.

With the update, iRobot’s official list of Matter-compatible devices includes:

• Roomba® Plus 500 Combo
• Roomba® Max 700 Vac
• Roomba® Max 700 Combo
• Roomba Combo® 10 Max

With the update, it is now easier to use the Home app or Siri to perform basic tasks, including scheduling or turning on a vacuuming or cleaning session.

The update is awkwardly timed, as iRobot just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, following years of struggle after an Amazon acquisition was blocked by regulators.

As a result, the company will be acquired by Chinese-owned Shenzhen Picea Robotics Co, which already had a business relationship with iRobot.

Here’s iRobot’s official guide to update your Roomba:

A Wi-Fi connected robot will automatically update its software if a new version is available when it’s connected to your Wi-Fi network or the internet, and is on its Home Base®. In some cases, it may take up to 24 hours to receive a software update. Actual installation of software once downloaded/received should take approximately 10 minutes.

Over the air (OTA) software updates will occur only when your robot is not cleaning and is on the Home Base®. To check your robot’s software, open the iRobot® HOME App or Roomba® Home App. and select More > Settings > About (robot name). To view details on specific software releases, see Software Release Notes.

And here is iRobot’s official guide to adding your Roomba to Apple Home via Matter:

To add your compatible robot to a Matter ecosystem from the Roomba® Home mobile app:

1. Tap the My Home button at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap the user account icon at the top of the screen.
3. Tap “Connected Services.”
4. Tap “Apple Home.”
5. Follow the directions in the app.

To add your compatible robot to a Matter ecosystem from the iRobot® Home (Classic) mobile app:

1. Tap [the hamburger menu button]
2. Tap “Smart Home.”
3. Tap “Connected Services.”
4. Tap “Apple Home.”
5. Follow the directions in the app.

After adding your robot to a Matter ecosystem, you can manage the connection from the ecosystem vendor’s app (e.g., Apple Home).

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