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iPhone owners can now add Roomba robot vacuums to the Home app – and control everything with a quick request to Siri, or a few taps on the Apple Watch. Eagle-eyed Reddit users have found that more select Roomba robot vacuums can now connect to your Apple HomeKit, the underlying technology that powers the preinstalled Home app.
This is Apple's proprietary platform to manage, schedule, and control smart home accessories like Wi-Fi lightbulbs, video doorbells, security cameras, smart locks and thermostats, and much more besides, securely and privately through the Home app, AI voice assistant Siri, and all Apple devices, like an iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, Mac, etc.
It competes head-to-head with the likes of Amazon's Alexa app and Google's Home app.
By connecting your robot vacuum to the platform, you can use the Home app or Siri to perform simple tasks, such as turning your vacuum on or scheduling a cleaning.
This can be especially helpful if you own multiple smart home accessories and you don't want to bounce back and forth between several different apps — you now have more functionalities all in one place.
Roomba now supports Apple HomeKit
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Unfortunately, not every robot vacuum in the Roomba lineup is compatible with Apple Home. iRobot posted a list of eligible devices, which includes:
- Roomba Plus 500 Combo
- Roomba Max 700 Vac
- Roomba Max 700 Combo
- Roomba Combo 10 Max
- Tap the My Home button at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the user account icon at the top of the screen.
- Tap "Connected Services."
- Tap "Apple Home."
- Follow the directions in the app.
iRobot was almost acquired by Amazon in January of last year
| IROBOT PRESS OFFICEHowever, this handy update comes shortly after Roomba's parent company iRobot filed for bankruptcy in the US earlier this month. As a result of the filing, iRobot will be bought out by its Chinese manufacturer and supplier, Picea Robotics.
For now, the company is set to run business as usual, and it appears this way as well, given its latest update to Apple Home. Its online site is also still up and running with a sale where you can save up to £400 on a new robot vacuum.
The bankruptcy filing has been a long time coming, too.
This follows the collapse of a planned takeover from Amazon after it faced tough opposition from EU competition regulators in January of last year. The retailer had agreed a proposed $1.7 billion (£1.3 billion) acquisition of iRobot in August 2022, but the European Commission said the deal could harm competition for iRobot’s rivals on Amazon’s online marketplace, particularly in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
The investigation raised concerns that Amazon could reduce the visibility of competitor products on its marketplace if the deal were finalised.
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iRobot will continue to operate business as usual after its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in the US | IROBOT PRESS OFFICE In addition to the failed Amazon deal, iRobot has been knocked by competition from cheaper Chinese rivals, as well as surging US tariffs, which have seen import levies increased to 46% on goods from Vietnam, where most of its products are made for the US.
iRobot first launched its first Roomba robot vacuum in 2002 and has since gone on to sell millions of robots worldwide.
Shop these Roomba deals
If you want to upgrade to a robot vacuum that's up-to-date and eligible to connect with other platforms like Apple Home, iRobot has marked down several devices as part of its online end-of-year sale. You can save up to £400 on a brand new bot.
Save £320 on the Roomba Plus 505 combo robot vacuum and accessories bundle
Bundle and save £320 on the Roomba Plus 505 combo and accessories. This is a smart vacuum-and-mop robot that cleans floors thoroughly with powerful suction and dual scrub-mop pads. Its AutoWash Dock auto-empties debris, washes and heat-dries pads, and keeps things fresh for weeks without fuss.
This robot vacuum can also connect to Apple Home, thanks to the latest update.
Save £400 on the Roomba Max 706 and autowash dock
Upgrade to a vacuum that sucks up debris and wash your floors for £400 off. Built with a PowerSpin Roller Mop, it spins at 200 RPM and continuously self-cleans — so your floors are clear of dirt. The heated mopping and SmartScrub features obliterate stubborn messes while PrecisionVision AI avoids cords, socks and pet waste. Plus, the AutoWash Dock empties, washes, dries, and dispenses automatically, so you have a clean mop touching your floors every time.
This robot vacuum can also connect to Apple Home, thanks to the latest update.
Looking for an alternative to Roomba?
Roomba isn't the only top choice for a robot vacuum. There are several other popular brands selling premium picks on sale at the end of the year.
Brands like Eufy and Roborock have also marked down their bots, which have been so highly sought-after that they've even made our best robot vacuums in the UK list.
Get £140 off the Roborock QV 35S robot vacuum cleaner
The QV 35S redefines hands-free home cleaning with a HyperForce suction, dual anti-tangle brushes, and spinning, liftable mops to help give you spotless floors. It's an all-in-one dock that also handles auto-emptying, mop washing, drying, and water refills, delivering up to seven weeks of worry-free cleaning with minimal intervention.
Save £255 on the Eufy Clean X8 Pro robot vacuum cleaner
Get £255 off your purchase when you use code WS24T2276 at checkout. You can also make your purchase even more affordable when you use either Klarna or PayPal to divide up the cost into three interest-free payments