Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, Shelly Takeover Talks, and Eve Thermostat

This week, Apple's plans for the home are taking shape: a new Apple TV 4K and a refreshed HomePod mini are set for the fall, with a display-equipped hub and a security camera of its own to follow. In the US, meanwhile, the FCC has blocked nearly all future foreign-made robot vacuums. There is also a possible Shelly takeover by Schneider Electric, Eve's Matter wall thermostat for underfloor heating, and a tip for multi-step heating automations.

Apple Lines Up Its Next Home Devices

Apple is preparing several new home devices for the fall. According to Bloomberg, a new Apple TV 4K with an A17 Pro chip and a refreshed HomePod mini are close to launch, both arriving alongside the new Siri in iOS 27. A smart home hub with a display is planned for late this year or early 2027, serving as a central control point for Apple Home and Matter devices. Apple is also working on a security camera of its own. The devices had been held back for months so they could arrive together with the new Siri.

FCC Blocks Future Foreign-Made Robot Vacuums

On July 28, the US Federal Communications Commission added foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to its Covered List. The category covers robot vacuums, robotic lawn mowers, and pool cleaners: new models no longer receive FCC authorization and cannot be sold in the US without special approval. The agency cites risks to national security. Devices already authorized remain usable, including in Apple Home, where robot vacuums have been supported via Matter since iOS 18.4.

Worth Watching: Mini-Split Air Conditioners via Matter

Simon from HomeKit News shows three ways to bring a mini-split air conditioner into Apple Home via Matter, from an IR thermostat to a Zigbee bridge to a Matter bridge.

In Brief

Takeover Talks: Schneider Electric Is Eyeing Shelly

French technology group Schneider Electric is in talks to acquire the Shelly Group. Bloomberg reports a price of around 70 euros, roughly 81 dollars, per share, which would value the Bulgaria-based company at about 1.3 billion euros, roughly 1.5 billion dollars. Shelly confirmed the talks in a stock exchange filing but stressed that there is no binding offer and that neither terms nor timing have been set.

Warm Feet, Cool Head: The Eve Thermostat Arrives in Europe

Eve is releasing the EU version of its Matter wall thermostat for water-based 230-volt underfloor heating. It switches thermal actuators silently via a triac element or a classic relay and communicates via Matter over Thread, entirely without a manufacturer cloud and without registration. The dimmable display adjusts to ambient light and can switch off after a set time. Price: 119.95 euros, around 138 dollars.

Tip of the Week: Automate Heating with a Window Contact

A thermostat holds a temperature on a schedule, but it gets interesting once other devices come into play. With the Controller Hub and Workflows, you can build multi-step sequences with if/else branches and wait times: turning the heating down when a window contact opens and bringing it back up only once the window has been closed for a while.