Running Homekit Home Hub and an autonomous single mode app at the same time in an iPad?

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Created Apr ’18

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I posted this question in stackoverflow and nobody answers. Hopefully, experts here could provide some insights.

Below is my question in the stackoverflow. So essentially, I would like to run a very small home automation project (it is actually for commercial purposes). The number of devices and scenarios are limited. I would use an iPad as a Kiosk (and control devices). In addition, I would like to use this iPad as my "home hub" to reduce system complexity and money. Please let me know if this is feasible. I need to purchase multiple devices basing on the design. So I would like to know the answer before trying out. Thanks!

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Can I run Homekit Home Hub and an app in Autonomous Single App Mode enabled on an iPad? The app will be a client to the Home Hub. I suspected that there will be no problem. Just want to confirm.

Answered by KMT in 309025022

Not sure a 'hub' and subset are the same things...

Via your app, see:

https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/NetworkingInternet/Conceptual/HomeKitDeveloperGuide/Introduction/Introduction.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40015050

Introduction to HomeKit

This document helps you write a HomeKit app. HomeKit is a framework for communicating with and controlling connected home automation accessories that support Apple's HomeKit Accessory Protocol. HomeKit apps enable users to discover compatible accessories and configure them. Users can also create actions to control accessories (such as a thermostat or light), group them together, and trigger them by using Siri. HomeKit objects are stored in a database residing on the user’s iOS device, which is synchronized over iCloud to other iOS devices. HomeKit supports remote access to accessories, multiple user devices, and multiple users. HomeKit also handles security and privacy for you.

Which links to a sample app:

https://developer.apple.com/library/content/samplecode/HomeKitCatalog/Introduction/Intro.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40015048

To include 'In App Purchases' see:

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/storekit/in_app_purchase

...no promise you'll be allowed to paywall HK features, especailly when the devices aren't yours - be sure to check the ASRGs:

https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/

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KMT OP

Apr ’18

Sounds like you're trying to re-invent the wheel by creating your own app...

Just configure the iPad to kiosk mode and only use the 'Home' app.

Ensure you're signed into your iPad using the same iCloud account as the rest of your iOS devices.
Go to 'Settings', tap on 'Home' and select 'Use this iPad as a Home Hub'.
Open the Home app and tap in the upper-left corner. Then look under Home Hubs to see if your home hub is connected. If you have multiple home hubs set up, the primary home hub will show as connected. The other home hubs will show Standby as their status and will take over remote access if the main home hub is disconnected.

Further configuration questions might be better suited for Apple's public forums https://support.apple.com/

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