Why a dedicated HomeKit app in iOS 10 is exactly what Apple needs

There's a handful of Apple-compatible smart home products already on the market, but as of right now, you can't control them via one master app or hub. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of Apple HomeKit — the software framework that smart gadget builders use to make their devices iOS-compatible — especially when you compare it to the streamlined experience of the Amazon Echo.

Put simply, Apple's smart home platform is too siloed. 

But here's some potential good news: the rumor mill (once again) says Apple is hard at work developing a smart home app for iOS 10 ahead of next month's annual Apple Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC). If it's legit, this would give Apple smart home users a much better way manage smart locks, lights, blinds and so on, without having to use a specific app for each gadget. Read more...