TaHoma / HomeKit compatibility: Why is it taking so long?

Apple certification process

Compatibility with HomeKit* entails entering a complete certification process and requires specific software and hardware development that we had not previously imagined. Compatibility developed with our past partners worked for the most part via the Cloud. This is not the case with HomeKit which uses a direct local connection between a smartphone and the equipment it controls. This connection requires specific development with embedded software (therefore local) in each box.

Specific requirements necessary to make Somfy and HomeKit technologies coexist did not initially exist when we developed our TaHoma box. They have also evolved over time. Therefore, a complete development program is necessary to make our offer evolve.

Much of the required development has already been carried out by Somfy and validated by Apple over the last few months. Requiring a lot of work and numerous exchanges, it is not over yet. A new certification phase has started in January 2020 and we hope that it will give us more visibility on the date that compatibility could be available for users. As we are not certain, we prefer to remain cautious.

TaHoma box concerned

Each box generation must follow a specific certification process.The current certification process concerns the second generation TaHoma box meaning the ongoing version. 

The TaHoma factory must be certified MFI (Made for Iphone, Apple licensing program) and this process is also underway.

Each TaHoma box and packaging will be allotted a unique HomeKit code. To allow the user to link their TaHoma box to HomeKit, each box and packaging must indicate this unique code. The industrial and packaging processes have been adapted to accommodate this change.

What you need to know about equipment compatibility

Somfy equipment potentially controllable by Apple interfaces (app Home or Siri) are only those under io-homecontrol protocol. This is because HomeKit only allows two-way radio control of equipment via a home automation box. Furthermore, HomeKit excludes those allowing access to the house. This means that equipment with monodirectional RTS protocol is excluded as well as operators for gates, garage doors, windows and locks.

Our io-homecontrol equipment (rolling shutter and awning motorization, sockets, etc.) are subject to functional validation with the TaHoma box and HomeKit by Apple teams as part of the certification process. Each piece of equipment must be individually tested by Apple's teams, which takes even more time as we have a large range of products compatible with TaHoma. It is therefore impossible for us to precisely define what will be the definitive list of compatible equipment ranges.

When will Somfy products be compatible with Apple HomeKit?

As stated before, the Apple certification process is long and demanding. Somfy's teams are still working hard on the compatibility, but it is not yet possible for us to give either a date or the scope of compatibility. We understand that you may be impatient, and it is understandable. We will do our utmost to keep you informed.

Product compatibility with Apple Homekit may vary per country. Please contact your local Somfy Representative for more information.