What you need to know
- IKEA TRADFRI gateway update 1.10.28 adds HomeKit for smart blinds.
- Release makes blinds the cheapest HomeKit option available.
- Blinds can be now controlled via the Home app, Siri, and automations.
IKEA has begun its rollout of the long overdue HomeKit update for the company's low cost smart blinds according to several reports on reddit. The blinds, which were announced early last year saw several delays before eventually hitting stores without HomeKit support at launch.
Owners of the blinds and the TRADFRI gateway can now check for updates in the IKEA Home Smart app (opens in new tab). Blind support is said to be added in version 1.10.28 for the gateway, version 2.2.009 for the blinds, and 2.2.008 for the remote. It appears that the release is being rolled out in phases, so it may not be available across all locales as of yet.
Once added to HomeKit users will have the ability to control the blinds through the Home app, via Siri voice control, and through automations. Aside from opening and closing the blinds, users will also be able to set the distance that the blinds open up, such as only partially opening them to halfway if desired.
The FYRTUR smart blinds (opens in new tab) are available now in IKEA stores across the United States, with prices ranging from $129 to $179 depending on size. A non-blackout blind model, KADRILJ, (opens in new tab) is also available outside of North America.
Christopher spends most of his time writing and dreaming about all things HomeKit. If you wish to join him on his quest to automate everything, you can follow him on Twitter at @itschrisclose.
