iOS 18.4 brings Matter support for robot vacuums: Apple HomeKit is now

With the update to iOS 18.4, Apple is supporting robot vacuums as a native device category in HomeKit for the first time – via the open smart home standard Matter . This makes controlling intelligent cleaning assistants easier, faster, and cross-platform. Roborock, in particular, is driving this development forward and is releasing Matter updates for a whole range of its devices.

What is Matter and why is it important for your smart home?

Matter is a unified smart home standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) with the goal of making devices from different manufacturers interoperable. It supports platforms such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa , and Samsung SmartThings . With version Matter 1.2, released in October 2023, robot vacuum cleaners were included in the standard as a separate product category for the first time.

Since iOS 18.4, HomeKit officially recognizes this device class. This means you can integrate a compatible robot directly into the Apple Home app, without third-party apps, cloud services, or Homebridge workarounds.

Matter robot vacuum features in iOS 18.4

Apple integrates the most important control functions directly into HomeKit. These include:

Start, pause and stop cleaning
Return to the charging station
Battery level display
Status messages (e.g. “Cleaning completed”)
Optional: Cleaning zones (depending on model)
Siri voice control
Integration into automations and scenes

Matter is not just Apple: Alexa, Home Assistant and SmartThings also support robot vacuum cleaners

A key advantage of Matter is its platform independence. In addition to Apple HomeKit, you can also control Matter-enabled robot vacuums with other systems, such as:

Amazon Alexa – Control via voice and routines
Home Assistant – Local, open automation without the cloud
Samsung SmartThings – Central app for many devices
Homey Pro – Central app for many devices

This means you can connect a Matter-enabled robot once – and then use it on multiple platforms simultaneously. This multi-platform capability is one of Matter's biggest advantages compared to older, proprietary systems.

These models already support Matter or will receive an update

Matter-compatible robot vacuums (current & announced)

Manufacturer	Model	Firmware version	Matter version	introduction	Further information
Roborock	S8 MaxV Ultra	02.37.88	1.4	April 2025	source
Roborock	Saros Z70	02.40.92	1.4	April 2025	source
Roborock	Saros 10	02.32.44	1.4	April 2025	source
Roborock	Saros 10R	02.32.44	1.4	April 2025	source
Roborock	Qrevo Curv	02.26.02	1.4	April 2025	source
Roborock	Qrevo Edge	02.26.02	1.4	April 2025	source
Roborock	Qrevo Master	02.27.40	1.4	April 2025	source
Roborock	Qrevo Slim	not documented	1.4	announced	source
SwitchBot	S10	via Hub 2	1.2	since 2023	source
SwitchBot	K10+	via Hub 2	1.2	since 2023	source
Ecovacs	Deebot X2	not documented	1.4	from April 2025	source
Ecovacs	Deebot X2 Combo	not documented	1.4	from April 2025	source
Ecovacs	Deebot T50 / T50 Max	not documented	1.4	from April 2025	source
Ecovacs	Deebot X8 / X8 Pro Omni	not documented	1.4	from April 2025	source
iRobot	Roomba Combo 10 Max	not documented	not documented	announced	source
Dreame	X50 Ultra Complete	not documented	not documented	announced	source
Dreame	L50 Pro Ultra	not documented	not documented	announced	source
Dreame	L40 Ultra	not documented	not documented	announced	source
Dreame	X40 Ultra Complete	not documented	not documented	announced	source

Requirements for Matter robot vacuums in iOS 18.4

An iPhone or iPad with iOS 18.4 or later
A HomeKit control center such as Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen or later) or HomePod mini
A Matter-compatible vacuum robot (ex works or via firmware update)
WLAN or Thread as connection protocol

Benefits for users: More freedom and interoperability

Cross-platform use (Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung)
Local control – no cloud requirement, higher data security
Voice control with Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant
Automations & Scenes in HomeKit, Alexa or SmartThings
Long-term support through open, cross-industry standard

Outlook: Matter establishes itself as a global smart home standard

With iOS 18.4 and Roborock's Matter updates, the widespread introduction of Matter-enabled robot vacuums begins. Other manufacturers will soon follow suit, and other device categories such as air purifiers, window openers, and robotic lawnmowers are likely to follow.

Those who now rely on Matter not only benefit from better integration with Apple HomeKit – but also from a future-proof and flexible ecosystem that grows with you.

Conclusion: iOS 18.4 + Matter = the intelligent vacuum robot for all platforms

With official support for Matter robot vacuums, HomeKit becomes a true smart home hub. Thanks to Matter's cross-platform nature, you can also control your robot with Alexa, Home Assistant, or SmartThings—whichever you prefer.

So, if you're considering purchasing a new robot vacuum, be sure to look for the Matter seal . At smattex.de, you'll soon find a selection of certified models for every platform.