Several Roborock models will receive a firmware update by April 10, enhancing the onboard Matter protocol for an improved user experience. An announcement mentions that “the exact timing will vary based on different time zones,” so users are encouraged to be patient as the update becomes available. The newest series, which includes all versions of the Roborock Saros and Roborock Qrevo, will enjoy enhanced capabilities, including the Roborock S8 Max V Ultra.
Additionally, Apple unveiled Matter integration with its Home App on devices like iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, and Mac, allowing users to control any compatible Roborock robot vacuum via these devices. You can initiate cleaning sessions as soon as you leave home or designate specific cleaning zones through the Home app. Just ensure your iPhone is running iOS 18.4 or a later version, as earlier versions will not support these features.
Users can also utilize Siri to start and stop cleaning sessions. Beyond Roborock, Apple’s integrations extend to other brands such as Ecovacs and iRobot. As long as the device is compatible with Matter, it can be controlled from any Apple device.
Keep in mind that operational features may differ not just among Roborock devices, but also depending on the ecosystem you are using. Not all smart home platforms have adopted Matter to the same extent; specifically, Google Home may not be as advanced in certain areas.
As Matter integration continues to grow across various platforms, more devices will seamlessly connect and interact without requiring complex setups. This progress marks a significant improvement from the early days of smart home tech, where navigating different ecosystems often involved complicated IFTTT and Zapier automations and a bit of luck.
