iOS 27.2 Brings New Features for Locks and HomePods, Eve Launches Standard-Size Blinds

The near-final test version of iOS 27.2 shows what changes for locks, HomePods, and Shortcuts. There are also Eve MotionBlinds in standard sizes, an Aqara outdoor plug with Thread, a launch date for IKEA's radiator thermostat, and Apple's next event on October 28. We close with a tip for when the clocks change.

iOS 27.2 Brings New Features for Locks and HomePods

Apple released the near-final test version of iOS 27.2 on October 19. According to MacRumors, the update should reach everyone in the week of October 26.

Early reports on the test version say the Home app will start its auto-lock timer only once the door is actually closed. If the door stays open, the Home app can remind you after 5 to 30 minutes. Your lock has to be able to detect whether the door is open.

Sound Glow, the light on top that reacts to your music, debuts on HomePod mini 2 and is also coming to the original HomePod mini and the HomePod (2nd generation). There's also a new option to lock the touch controls, handy if you have curious kids. And you can set a HomePod as the default speaker for your Mac. The four-HomePod surround feature is in the test version too. It only works with the new Apple TV 4K.

Since iOS 27, Home app automations that you've converted into shortcuts have opened URLs only when tested manually, not when running on their own. The iOS 27.2 test version fixes this bug. Workflows running on a Controller Hub aren't affected.

Eve MotionBlinds Now Come in Standard Sizes

Until now, Eve MotionBlinds came either as a retrofit motor for your existing blinds or as made-to-measure blinds. Eve now also offers blackout blinds in standard widths with a height of 190 cm (75 inches). The motor sits inside the tube and runs on a built-in rechargeable battery. You screw the blind in place inside or above the window frame. It joins Apple Home via Matter over Thread, so you will need a Thread Border Router such as a HomePod mini.

Worth Watching: HomeView Hands-On

Shane Whatley tried HomeView at Apple's event in New York and shows how it works, from camera feeds to personalized home screens, and where its limits are.

In Brief

Aqara Outdoor Plug H2 EU With Thread

The Aqara Outdoor Plug H2 EU is now available in Germany. It's rated IP44 for splash resistance, can switch loads of up to 16 amps, and tracks energy use. It joins Apple Home via Matter over Thread without an Aqara hub. Some extras, such as switching off automatically once a device has finished charging, only work in Zigbee mode with an Aqara hub. It costs €32.99 / around $37.

IKEA's LILJEBAGGE Radiator Thermostat Arrives in January

IKEA says its LILJEBAGGE radiator thermostat will go on sale in Germany in January 2027. It uses Thread and joins Apple Home via Matter. Six adapters for different valves come in the box, but the two AA batteries don't. One retailer has listed it for €14.99 / around $17, but IKEA hasn't confirmed that price yet.

Apple Event on October 28: "Pro and tell"

Apple will show new products in Los Angeles on October 28 at 10 a.m. Pacific under the tagline "Pro and tell." Like the October 13 event, it won't be a traditional keynote. According to Bloomberg, the rumored lineup includes a touchscreen MacBook Pro, a new iPad mini, and an iMac. Reports haven't mentioned any new home devices for the event.

Tip of the Week: Use Sunset Instead of a Fixed Time

Clocks in Europe went back an hour on October 25, and the US follows on November 1. Your automations don't notice: anything set for 6 p.m. still runs at 6 p.m. The only thing that changes is when it gets dark. If the sun set around 6 p.m. before the change, it now sets around 5 p.m. So if your lights switch on at 6 p.m., you'll sit in the dark for an hour.

That's why it's worth choosing "Sunset" instead of a fixed time for these automations in the Home app. Your lights then always come on at dusk, no matter the time of year.