Belkin has been working with Apple since 2015 on its plan to add HomeKit Compatibility to its popular set of WeMo smart Products. However, Belkin has put its plans on hold because adding HomeKit Compatibility to products already in the market is not possible.
As per MacRumors, Belkin was among the first accessory companies to support Home automation. Its WeMo Line includes a variety of home automation products like cameras, motion sensors, light switches, etc. Belkin realized that it needs to develop a whole new line of HomeKit-enabled WeMo products, hence the delay in its debut.
When readers asked about HomeKit on Facebook, Belkin said that they have not yet found a way to make HomeKit work with already existing WeMo products that are within Apple's guidelines. The integration of HomeKit requires a specific hardware unit and not just a software/firmware. For this, they have to create a new line of WeMo products that are HomeKit-enabled, along with the ones already in market.
Belkin are yet to find a way to make the HomeKit compatibility work with new and existing users. So users who already own WeMo products have to buy new ones to get compatibility, as the old ones do not work with HomeKit.
There are strict and specific security requirements given by Apple's HomeKit system that needs to be incorporated with products that are certified by Apple as HomeKit compatible.
Belkin said that one of the reasons for the delay in HomeKit-enabled products roll out is Apple's demand for strong encryption end-to-end, even for Bluetooth LE. As long as Apple's rules are the same, HomeKit compatibility cannot work with WeMo line, and Belkin has to proceed with the development of new HomeKit-enabled products.
Apple is currently giving final touches to its HomeKit tools, with its chips being shipped in November.