AirTag 2 rumors, Matter ice maker, & Logitech's presence sensor on HomeKit Insider

HomeKit Insider Podcast. On this episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, your host covers the latest news for the week including the release of iOS 18.3, AirTag 2 rumors, and a Matter update for the Govee ice maker. Last week, Apple released iOS 18.3 to the masses. While this was expected to include support for robots vacuum cleaners, it ultimately did not. Perhaps it will arrive in the upcoming iOS 18.4 beta. That's likely to have its first beta released this week.

SwitchBot has begun shipping its previously-announced smart air purifiers. They don't have Apple Home or Matter at launch, but it will be coming in the following months. We also talked through the new CVS pilot program. They're using smart home-like app control for its in-store cabinets on locked merchandise. Customers will be able to use the CVS app to unlock cabinets as needed. It may solve some issues with this, but has its own barriers to entry, like having a smartphone.

Xiaomi is finally jumping into the Matter game with its new bulb. It's a typical bulb with 806 lumens of max brightness, tunable whites, and support 16 million colors via Matter over Wi-Fi. Flic Duo has gone up for preorders after its CES announcement. It is on sale for $49 before jumping to $59 post-launch. Logitech has a new mmWave presence sensor on the market, but it appears to be limited to businesses. The Logitech Spot can tell when people are in rooms and it's something we'd like to see on the smart home side.

Govee's ice maker has finally received its promised Matter update. We put it to the test to try how Apple home can aid the first Matter-enabled countertop ice maker. Finally, we round up all the latest rumors on AirTag 2. With a launch looming, there are plenty of new items to discuss. Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at advertising@appleinsider.com. Keep up with everything Apple in the weekly AppleInsider Podcast. Just say, "Hey, Siri," to your HomePod mini and ask it, and our latest HomeKit Insider episode too. If you want an ad-free main AppleInsider Podcast experience, you can support the AppleInsider podcast by subscribing for $5 per month through Apple's Podcasts app, or via Patreon if you prefer any other podcast player.

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