Smart Home Control Center Pages in iOS 18

Apple’s iOS 18 introduces a completely redesigned Control Center that allows users to create dedicated pages specifically for smart home device management. With a new multipage layout and an expanded controls gallery, you are no longer limited to a single screen shared between network toggles, media playback, and accessories. Instead, you can configure an entire page exclusively populated with HomeKit and Matter controls, smart scenes, and dynamic status toggles tailored directly to your home automation setup.

How the New Multipage Control Center Works

In iOS 18, Control Center uses a vertical pagination system visible along the right edge of the display. While Apple provides a dedicated Home page by default if you use the Apple Home app, you have complete freedom to modify it or create a brand-new, customized smart home dashboard from scratch.

Each page supports resizable controls, allowing you to highlight critical devices—like security systems, smart locks, or main lighting scenes—with larger widgets, while keeping secondary accessories as compact icons.

Steps to Set Up a Dedicated Smart Home Page

  1. Enter Edit Mode: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center, then tap the + (plus) icon in the top-left corner (or press and hold any empty space).
  2. Navigate to an Empty Page: Swipe down along the right-hand navigation rail until you reach a blank page, or select the existing Home page icon.
  3. Add Controls: Tap Add a Control at the bottom of the screen to open the controls gallery.
  4. Select Home Accessories: Scroll down to the Home section. You can choose from:
    • Single Accessories: Quick toggles for specific lights, switches, fans, or locks.
    • Scenes: One-tap activation for presets like "Good Morning," "Leave Home," or "Movie Night."
    • Smart Home Summaries: Dynamic grids that display active devices or climate sensors.
  5. Resize and Rearrange: Drag the bottom-right corner of any added tile to resize it (options range from standard 1x1 icons to larger 2x2 or horizontal blocks), then drag controls into your preferred layout.
  6. Exit Edit Mode: Tap anywhere outside the edit grid or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to save your changes.

Customization and Third-Party Integration

Beyond standard Apple Home accessories, iOS 18 supports controls provided by third-party smart home apps via the Controls API, as well as the Shortcuts app. This means you can mix Apple Home accessories with custom Shortcuts to trigger cross-platform routines, adjust thermostat temperatures, or trigger non-HomeKit automations directly from your dedicated smart home screen.