Linksys is planning to release a firmware update for its Linksys Velop routers that will enable HomeKit functionality, according to a notice from Linksys spotted by HomeKit News.

The notice says that Linksys is rolling out a ‌HomeKit‌ firmware update for the Velop system "in the next several days."

linksysvelop
After the firmware update is installed, the next time the Linksys app is opened, it will invite users to link with the Apple Home app. All Velop nodes must be tri-band for the integration to work. Tri-band model numbers that work with ‌HomeKit‌ include A03, WHW0301, WHW0301B, WHW0302, WHW0302B, WHW0303, and WHW0303B.

linksysvelop
Apple introduced ‌HomeKit‌ support for routers with the launch of iOS 13. According to Apple, ‌HomeKit‌ for routers firewalls off each ‌HomeKit‌ device, so if one happens to be compromised, the others remain safe.

Linksys' tri-band Velop routers are priced starting at $199 and can be purchased from the Linksys website or at a discounted price from Amazon.

Update: Linksys says that the information shared on its website was inaccurate and the launch of ‌HomeKit‌ support is not imminent, though ‌HomeKit‌ support is in the works and will be coming in the future.

From Linksys: "Inaccurate verbiage on timing and availability of Linksys HomeKit-enabled routers was shared on our website today. We are excited to bring these features to market soon, and will reach out when we’re ready to announce availability."

Top Rated Comments

orbital~debris Avatar
67 months ago
I hope we’ll one day see Apple release a similar firmware update for their own legacy AirPort line of products, to enable the same functionality.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LeeTom Avatar
67 months ago
“HomeKit router integration will firewall off all smart home accessories to isolate them from each other, so if one got compromised it couldn’t snoop on your wider network. Users will be able to manage these new security features through the Home app on iPhone and iPad.”

“Apple's HomeKit Secure Video in iOS 13 allows smart home device users to encrypt security camera feeds end-to-end and securely store those videos within iCloud.”

You’re essentially getting a little security bump, and putting more of your trust in Apple rather than a third party with these features. For now, I think that’s a good thing. Apple has better privacy and security out there than many top tech companies. How long that continues is anyone’s guess. Look how far Google has fallen...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ScottishDuck Avatar
67 months ago

Google hasn't fallen one iota.
You’re correct. Their disdain for privacy has been pretty constant from the outset.

This seems like a nice addition, have these routers at home, shame they’re not very good compared to the time capsule I replaced!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jason2000 Avatar
67 months ago

Google hasn't fallen one iota.
You are right. They have no room to fall. They were at the bottom from the beginning.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LeeTom Avatar
67 months ago

I hope we’ll one day see Apple release a similar firmware update for their own legacy AirPort line of products, to enable the same functionality.
I doubt it! Too bad they exited that space. I trusted - and still trust - them with my routing needs. But may have to move on soon...
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
austinmcguire Avatar
67 months ago

Sorry, but can you explain this to someone that has no HomeKit devices and no idea what an offline hub would be used for?

I’m normally up to date on tech but I just don’t get this stuff.
Without Homekit, you are right, this has no bearing on you. However if you have Homekit devices it gives you two benefits.
1) Homekit devices are kept on a seperate network, so if a device gets hacked it can not threaten your main network. Even Amazon with all of their resources, had security issues in the early Echos.
2) Cameras send their video to the local hub and then to iCloud. This way you do not have to worry about who can see the video in / around your house.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro 34ths Perspective

iPhone 17 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 10 New Features

Sunday March 23, 2025 10:00 am PDT by
While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are not expected to launch until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models as of March 2025: Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models have a titanium frame, and the iPhone ...
macbook pro blue green

When Will Apple Release the M5 MacBook Pro?

Wednesday March 26, 2025 4:53 pm PDT by
Apple regularly refreshes the MacBook Pro models, and a new version that uses M5 series chips is in the works. Apple just finished refreshing most of the Mac lineup with M4 chips, and now it's time for the M5. Rumors suggest that we could see the first M5 MacBook Pro models this fall. Design There have been no rumors of a design update for the M5 MacBook Pro models that are coming this...
Apple Lumon Terminal Pro

Apple's Mac Site Features Fictional 'Lumon Terminal Pro'

Wednesday March 26, 2025 12:19 pm PDT by
Apple is going all out with promotions for the popular Severance Apple TV+ show today, and as of right now, you'll find a new "Lumon Terminal Pro" listed on Apple's Mac site. The Lumon Terminal Pro is designed to look similar to the machines that Severance employees like Mark S. and Helly R. use for macrodata refinement. The Terminal features a blue keyboard, a small display with wide...
Facebook Feature

Facebook's New iPhone App Feature Turns the Clock Back to 2007

Thursday March 27, 2025 1:59 pm PDT by
In the mid-to-late 2000s, Facebook was all about staying connected with friends and family. However, as the social media platform added new features and grew over time, that core experience began to get drowned out. That changes starting now, according to Meta, which today introduced a new feature that will "bring back the joy" of classic Facebook. Specifically, Meta has redesigned the...
Generic iOS 18

iOS 18.4 Coming Soon With These New Features for Your iPhone

Tuesday March 25, 2025 6:45 am PDT by
Apple is expected to release iOS 18.4 to the general public as soon as next week, following more than a month of beta testing. Apple's website says some iOS 18.4 features will be released in "early April," so the update should be out as early as Tuesday, April 1. Apple this week seeded the iOS 18.4 Release Candidate, which is typically the final beta version, barring the discovery of any...
iPhone 17 Pro 34ths Perspective

iPhone 17 Pro Supports 8K Video Recording, Suggests Leaker [Updated]

Wednesday March 26, 2025 4:06 am PDT by
Update 7:25 pm: Based on comments from our forums, it appears the original Weibo post may have been mistranslated and "8K" actually refers to the high price of the device rather than 8K video recording capabilities. The iPhone 16 Pro currently starts at 7,999 yuan in China. Our original article follows below. Apple's forthcoming iPhone 17 Pro models are capable of shooting 8K video, up...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature 1

'iPhone Fold' to Feature Metallic Glass Hinge That Resists Deformation

Thursday March 27, 2025 4:21 am PDT by
Last week, we covered a report claiming that Apple's book-style foldable iPhone (or "iPhone Fold," as we are provisionally calling it here) will use liquid metal hinges to improve durability and help minimize screen creasing. Today, a Chinese leaker provided more details on the properties of this hinge material that help to clarify why Apple chose it for its first foldable device. According...
iOS 18 4 Ambient Music Control Center

How to Use iOS 18.4's New Ambient Music Feature in Control Center

Thursday March 27, 2025 7:45 am PDT by
The upcoming iOS 18.4 update for the iPhone adds an Ambient Music feature to Control Center. Below, we take a closer look at how it works. iOS 18.4 is currently in beta, so the Ambient Music feature is not widely available yet. The update will likely be released to the general public next week. To use the feature on iOS 18.4, open Control Center and tap on the plus sign in the top-left...
Generic iOS 19 Feature Mock

Gurman: Jon Prosser's iOS 19 Mockups 'Aren't Representative' of Redesign

Tuesday March 25, 2025 4:47 pm PDT by
The iOS 19 mockup images that leaker Jon Prosser shared today are not representative of the actual iOS 19 design, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on social media. According to Gurman, the images that are "floating around" are based on "very old builds" or "vague descriptions," and are lacking key features. Gurman says that we can "expect more from Apple in June." Gurman made the same comment ...