It’s only been a few days since analysts released figures that showed how Apple is lagging behind some of its rivals in the Internet of Things game. But already, there is more bad news for the technology company, some reports said.
According to Fortune, which published an exclusive report on the topic last Friday (May 15), Apple has delayed the launch of its IoT gadget HomeKit. The product works as a platform that connects home devices like door locks or lights. According to Fortune, HomeKit will now have to wait until this fall to see a market debut.
We’d love to be your preferred source for news.
Please add us to your preferred sources list so our news, data and interviews show up in your feed. Thanks!
Apple had never specified a launch date for HomeKit, though industry insiders had expected it to launch this spring. Reports said unnamed sources are citing lighting and battery life issues with the product. Sources also said that Apple will likely officially unveil HomeKit next month at its Worldwide Developer Conference.
But in a statement following Fortune’s report, Apple denied any delays to the launch of the tool, instead stating that HomeKit will begin its official rollout next month. “HomeKit has been available for just a few months and we already have dozens of partners who have committed to bringing HomeKit accessories to market and we’re looking forward to the first ones coming next month,” the company said in a statement to Forbes.
While Apple has remained mum on the product, it has been working with other technology companies like chipmaker Broadcom to grant HomeKit certification, which allows other tools and devices to connect to the HomeKit platform.
The tool is part of Apple’s efforts to get consumers in on the Internet of Things phenomenon, a trend that has given rise to the demand of Data-as-a-Service providers and high-tech products that can connect to the Internet. While IoT connectivity aims to make life easier for consumers – as the HomeKit intends to do – it also provides a steady flow of Big Data, which can be used for companies to gain valuable insight into product use habits or consumer behavior.
Advertisement: Scroll to Continue
While some experts have cited Apple’s iPhone as key in pushing the IoT into the mainstream, a recent report by Barron’s released last week found that both Facebook and Google beat out Apple with high-tech algorithms and massive data demands.
Add as Preferred Source
