Apple's plans for home automation might appear slow on the get go, but WWDC did have a presentation detailing the future of HomeKit-- one complete with a dedicated Home app.
Set to launch on Q3 2016 together with iOS 10, the Home app transforms iPads into a control hub. A dedicated "Home Hub" setting provides means to set up scene macros and grant remote access to individual devices via iCloud.
The company promises "more powerful user permissions" when using either iPad or Apple TV as a Home Hub, although it is still to specify such permissions. However, a support document on the iOS 10 beta covers general HomeKit setup and troubleshooting methods.
HomeKit is also set to expand into further home automation device categories-- air conditioners, air purifiers, cameras, doorbells and humidifiers.
The WWDC presentation concludes with the announcement that almost every smart home device vendor is either shipping HomeKit-enabled devices or plans to support the platform. In addition contractors in the US and China are already building HomeKit appliances directly into new homes, something their European colleagues might consider in the future.