An Apple employee who works in the marketing department of the company has revealed that the next version of iOS will come with a standalone “HomeKit” app. The employee revealed this information in a review on Amazon.

Without a first-party HomeKit app from Apple, iOS users are forced to use multiple third-party apps to control their HomeKit-enabled devices. Apple has long been rumored to include a HomeKit app in iOS, but those plans were delayed for one reason or another.

As I work in marketing for Apple, we test many Smart Home devices, especially for iOS HomeKit integration. […]

Some advice, there are many third party applications, most free, that offer more control and customization(s) with many Smart Home devices. “Yonomi” is a free app that I often use, “Home” is another which cost $14.99. Both offer support for many devices with more added daily (including Amazon “Echo”). The next version of iOS due this fall will have a standalone “HomeKit” app as well.

It was widely believed that the Cupertino company will be including a “Home” app in iOS 9 that will allow one to set up virtual rooms in the app to control their HomeKit devices. The reported detailed that Apple will also be adding Siri integration to it that will make it possible to control HomeKit devices right from Apple’s virtual assistant.

As like before, it is possible that due to some last minute issues, Apple might have to delay the launch of the “Home” app in iOS 10. However, with the HomeKit ecosystem now more matured, the time is ripe for Apple to launch its own HomeKit app to make using various HomeKit-enabled devices easier.