The Home Assistant iOS app receives a major update with over ten new features including Apple Watch dashboard integration, quick search gestures, and improved camera controls.
Home Assistant has rolled out version 2026.2 of its iOS app, bringing more than ten new features and improvements to the popular smart home platform's mobile interface. The update arrives roughly a month after the 2026.1 release, which focused on CarPlay and Control Center enhancements.
One of the most significant additions in this release is the ability to add entities directly from your dashboard to Apple Watch, CarPlay, or Widgets. This streamlines the process of accessing your most-used smart home controls across Apple's ecosystem without navigating through multiple menus.
The update also introduces a new optional Quick search gesture, making it faster to find specific devices or automations within the app. For users who rely on the Assist function, there's now a "mute response" option that prevents the app from speaking back during interactions.
Several under-the-hood improvements have been implemented, though Home Assistant hasn't provided specific details. The release notes mention enhancements to the entity picker, download manager, and WebRTC camera player. These changes likely improve performance and reliability for core app functions.
A new setting enables edge-to-edge drawing of the Home Assistant Dashboard, allowing the interface to utilize the full screen real estate on modern iPhones with minimal bezels. Additionally, the app will no longer automatically refresh after five minutes of inactivity, which should help conserve battery life during periods of non-use.
The complete changelog for version 2026.2 is available in the screenshot provided by Home Assistant, detailing all the refinements and additions to the mobile experience.
To download the update, users can visit the Apple App Store and install version 2026.2 on their compatible iOS devices. This release continues Home Assistant's commitment to improving its mobile interface while maintaining the platform's reputation for extensive smart home control capabilities.
The timing of this update suggests Home Assistant is maintaining its rapid development cycle, with monthly releases that consistently add meaningful features rather than just bug fixes. For iOS users who rely on Home Assistant for managing their smart home devices, this update provides several quality-of-life improvements that make daily interactions more efficient.
As smart home platforms continue to evolve, mobile app functionality becomes increasingly important. Home Assistant's focus on refining its iOS experience demonstrates the company's understanding that users need reliable, feature-rich mobile access to their smart home systems. The addition of Apple Watch integration and improved search capabilities positions the app as a more comprehensive control center for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
For those who haven't yet tried Home Assistant, the platform offers a privacy-focused alternative to commercial smart home solutions, with extensive device compatibility and powerful automation capabilities. The continued improvement of its mobile apps makes it an increasingly attractive option for users seeking greater control over their smart home setups.
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