We’re taking a look at how to use the redesigned Apple Watch Home app and how you can control all of your smart home devices from your wrist.
A Quick Status Update
The first big change is apparent immediately after opening up the app on your watch. Just like on the Home app for iPhone and iPad, you’ll notice a number of symbols that provide an update on all of your HomeKit-enabled devices.
With just a quick glance, you can easily see what lights are on, the temperature range throughout your house, if the front door is locked, and much more. Tapping a status symbol will show more information and allow you to control devices with just a tap.
It’s a great addition and puts the app closer to its counterparts for the larger screen.
Anyone with a HomePod mini or HomePod will also notice the Intercom symbol at the very top of the app. You can tap that and broadcast a message to your entire household or just a specific room’s speaker.
Room-by-Room Control
Smart home fans might have a number of devices in different rooms. And the redesigned Home app allows you to more easily interact and control accessories in each room.
Scroll down to the bottom of the app on your Apple Watch with the Digital Crown or with your finger on the screen. You can see all of the different rooms that you’ve customized for a home. Just select one to see specific information about those devices. And as a nice touch, the status bar is available at the top of each room’s page.
View All of Your Cameras
The variety of HomeKit cameras has continued to grow. And the Home app now makes it easy to see what’s happening at home, no matter where you are.
You can see the new Camera room by scrolling down the app’s main screen and choosing Cameras. There will be a thumbnail image of the last view from the camera and when it was captured.
Select a specific camera to see a live view of what’s going on. If you have a HomeKit doorbell, you can also hear and speak to the person at the front door, all from your wrist.
Putting Smarts Into a Smart Home
The Home app is adding some smarts to make a smart home even better.
When a smart home device is activated, you can open the Home app and see suggestions to interact with other products nearby. If someone rings your doorbell, opening the Home app will show options like turning on a porch light or unlocking the front door.
Scenes are also another great way to customize how you interact with a smart home. And with the Home app, you can see suggested scenes you often use depending on the time of day.
Just like in previous versions of watchOS, you can quickly access the Home app by adding a complication to your watch face for one-touch access.
Better Smart Home Control From an Apple Watch
Especially if you have a number of smart home devices, the redesigned Home app on the Apple Watch makes it easy to control and interact with locks, cameras, and much more directly from your wrist.
And past the new-look Home app, watchOS 8 offers a number of great features for Apple Watch users including new watch faces and better ways to communicate.
