A recent leak from “pdfu,” a source known for sharing detailed insights into Apple’s rumored products, suggests that a new HomeKit feature might soon let users control their smart home devices by simply tapping their iPhone near the device. The feature, dubbed ‘Proximity Control,’ is said to work via NFC, popping up controls on Apple’s Dynamic Island when the phone comes close to the device.

The leak also hints that this feature is part of a broader HomeKit revamp, possibly executed using the Matter protocol, which Apple has been actively promoting as a standard for smart home devices. The feature seems to be an Apple-specific addition and might first appear at Apple’s upcoming ‘Welcome home’ event on October 13th.

Previous reports suggest that this tap-to-control feature has been in code since iOS 27.0, according to MacRumors. Apple’s event could reveal more about this and other updates to their smart home ecosystem, including a new smart home hub with a display and an updated HomePod Mini.

The leak by pdfu indicates that Apple is pushing for more seamless integration between its devices and smart home products, potentially making our homes as intuitive as talking to Siri. Whether this feature will be a game-changer or just another neat trick remains to be seen.