Apple’s release of iOS 18.4 is shaking up the smart home landscape, prompting players in the robot vacuum market to roll out significant updates to allow robot vacuums to finally enable Matter protocol in their Matter-compatible robot vacuums. After setbacks and delays, this is exciting news for Apple users.
Apple’s new release has triggered firmware updates to enable the Matter protocol in Roborock, Ecovacs, and iRobot.
Enabled Matter Protocol
Apple’s iOS 18.4 brings Matter protocol support to the Home app, allowing advances in device interoperability. Matter streamlines control over smart home gadgets by allowing them to communicate over a home network through a single ecosystem, ensuring that robot vacuums can be more easily integrated into your everyday routines.
Our previous coverage of Matter protocol detailed how this universal standard unifies smart home devices for a more cohesive experience. In short, Matter is meant to allow your smart home gadgets to communicate directly through your ecosystem of choice, be it Alexa, Google Home, or the newly available robot vacuum support through Apple Home.
Firmware Updates in Response
April 1 through April 10, 2025 will see firmware updates from Roborock and Ecovacs, with iRobot following close behind.
Roborock is updating several models (see table) to offer improved connectivity with Apple Home through Matter, promising that features like automated cleaning schedules and remote control will operate more reliably.
| Roborock Model | Matter-enabled Firmware Version (April 1-10, USA Time) |
|---|---|
| Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra | 02.37.88 |
| Roborock Saros Z70 | 02.40.92 |
| Roborock Saros 10 | 02.32.44 |
| Roborock Saros 10R | 02.32.44 |
| Roborock Qrevo Curv | 02.26.02 |
| Roborock Qrevo Edge | 02.26.02 |
| Roborock Qrevo Master | 02.27.40 |
Ecovacs is also updating its firmware, positioning its devices to work more reliably with the updated Home ecosystem. Firmware updates for DEEBOT X2, T50, and X8 robot vacuum families are rolling out.
iRobot is following suit with updates coming soon, which are aimed at extending Matter support for its Matter-equipped models.
What This Means for Robot Vacuum Users
Improved Connectivity and Control
The coordinated push from these leading brands underscores a significant industry shift toward a unified smart home experience. With the new firmware updates, users can expect enhanced control over robot vacuums through Apple’s Home app, Google Home, and Alexa. Matter protocol also intends to improve responsiveness and reliability even when operating over local networks, reducing dependency on cloud services and improving security.
Looking Ahead
These firmware updates not only promise a more intuitive and connected user experience but also signal the industry’s broader commitment to embracing the Matter protocol. As more updates roll out, robot vacuum owners can expect efforts to tighten integration with their smart home systems.
