Earlier this month, IKEA announced the rollout of support for Apple’s HomeKit home automation system. However, it seems that the smart blinds are experiencing “technical issues” with the HomeKit, according to IKEA. Due to these issues, IKEA has delayed the rollout of Apple HomeKit support for its smart blinds throughout Europe. The company issued this statement when asked by a British owner when it can be expected in the United Kingdom.
“Due to some technical issues with the latest update that was launched in the USA, we have had to delay rolling this update out within the EU until these issues have been fixed. We currently do not have a date for this but our team is working on this. — IKEA UK Support (@IKEAUKSupport) January 15, 2020”
Technical Issues and Delays
Unfortunately, no details on the issues being experienced have been shared by IKEA, and no resolution date has been announced. This delay has caused some frustration among users who were eagerly awaiting the integration of their smart blinds with Apple HomeKit. The technical issues could range from software compatibility problems to hardware malfunctions, but without specific information, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.
The delay is particularly disappointing for those who have already invested in IKEA’s smart home ecosystem. The integration with Apple HomeKit was expected to provide a seamless experience, allowing users to control their blinds using Siri and the Apple Home app. This would have added significant convenience and functionality, especially for those who are already using other HomeKit-enabled devices.
Impact on Users and Future Prospects
The delay in the rollout has broader implications for IKEA’s reputation in the smart home market. While IKEA is known for its affordable and functional home products, entering the smart home market comes with its own set of challenges. Technical issues like these can undermine consumer confidence and slow down the adoption of new technologies.
However, it’s worth noting that IKEA has a history of addressing customer concerns and improving their products based on feedback. For example, when IKEA first launched its smart lighting system, there were initial hiccups, but the company quickly rolled out updates to resolve those issues. This gives some hope that the current problems with the smart blinds will be resolved in due course.
In the meantime, users can still control their IKEA smart blinds using the IKEA Home Smart app, which offers a range of functionalities including scheduling and remote control. While this is not as integrated as the HomeKit system, it still provides a level of automation and convenience.
Moreover, the delay in Europe does not necessarily mean that the rollout in other regions will be affected. IKEA has a global presence, and the issues experienced in one region may not be indicative of problems elsewhere. This means that users in other parts of the world may still look forward to the HomeKit integration without significant delays.
As always, we will keep you up-to-date on progress and let you know as soon as IKEA has fixed the smart blind Apple HomeKit issues. The company is likely working diligently to resolve these problems and ensure a smooth rollout in the future.
Source: 9to5Mac
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
