What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Apple Home has no general switch for enrolling every Matter accessory in beta firmware. If you own the accessory, check the manufacturer’s app or beta program: accessory firmware comes from its maker, and Apple Support directs users to that app for updates. Apple’s separate TestNet OTA process is a developer testing workflow, not a consumer enrollment route.
For an accessory you own: check its manufacturer’s beta program
Apple’s public beta program covers Apple software; it does not enroll third-party Matter accessories. Look in the accessory maker’s official app for firmware updates and any beta enrollment instructions, or contact the manufacturer’s support team. Availability and steps depend on the maker and device. Installing an iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, or HomePod beta does not by itself enable a third-party accessory beta.
Apple Support’s guidance is to check the manufacturer’s app for accessory firmware updates: Apple Support: Update your Apple devices. Apple’s beta-program FAQ advises installing beta software only on non-production devices that are not business-critical: Apple Beta Software Program FAQ.
For developers: test Matter OTA firmware through Apple Home
Apple documents a separate process for developers using Apple as the Matter over-the-air (OTA) provider. In this workflow, the developer publishes a test firmware image and its model-version metadata in the Matter TestNet Distributed Compliance Ledger (DCL), then checks whether Home offers that update to an accessory.
#1 Best Overall
- [Multi-Protocol Hub with Matter Bridge] The M3 is a versatile hub supporting Aqara Zigbee and Thread devices. It integrates third-party devices into the Aqara Home app. Supports advanced Matter bridge functionality, enabling Aqara-exclusive scenes and signals to sync with Matter ecosystems such as Home Assistant for seamless integration. Supports up to 127 Aqara Zigbee devices （** Not third-party Zigbee devices) and 127 Thread devices (Repeaters are needed).
- [Edge Compatibilities and Local Automations] The M3 serves as an Edge Hub, prioritizing local control and automation. Upon integration, it supersedes existing Aqara hubs, shifting the automations among them to local operation (Some cloud-based notifications still require internet). Upgrade-friendly, it supports migrating Zigbee devices from older Aqara hubs.
- [Smart IR Blaster with Feedback and Learning] The 360°IR blaster not only sends commands but also provides accurate status updates by detecting traditional remote use. It connects IR air conditioning units to Matter, functioning as an AC thermostat when paired with an Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor. (Note: Only one AC device can be exposed to Matter. Functionality may vary based on the Matter integration app. For Apple Home exposure, use Matter integration instead of HomeKit.)
- [Optimal Wired and Wireless Connectivity] Offering both wired and wireless solutions, the smart home hub M3 provides dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) with advanced WPA3 security, and a Power over Ethernet (PoE) port. The addition of a USB-C port allows for mini-UPS and power bank connections, delivering unparalleled stability. (2A USB power adapter is not included. ) . Note: To ensure a stable connection, place the Hub M3 between 6 to 19 feet from the router.
- [Privacy-Focused with Encrypted Storage, Easy Setup and Versatile Placement] The M3 prioritizes privacy by excluding microphone or camera components. It boasts 8GB end-to-end encrypted local storage, for device lists, configuration parameters, and automation configuration data. Additionally, it includes a mount and screws for flexible placement on flat surfaces, walls, or ceilings. Magic Pair technology ensures effortless detection by the Aqara Home app upon power-up.
1. Prepare and validate the OTA image
Build an image in the Matter OTA software-image format. Apple’s guide lists these required header values: SoftwareVersion, VendorID, ProductID, SoftwareVersionString, PayloadSize, ImageDigest, and ImageDigestType. Apple recommends validating the image with the OTA Requestor and OTA Provider apps in the open-source Matter repository.
2. Publish the test build in TestNet DCL
Add the firmware URL and required model-version fields to TestNet DCL. Apple also recommends testing MinApplicableSoftwareVersion and MaxApplicableSoftwareVersion for incremental updates. These fields help determine which accessory software versions can receive a particular build.
3. Install Apple’s TestNet OTA profile
Apple’s TestNet route requires its OTA profile so Apple devices point to TestNet rather than the default MainNet. Install the profile on every home hub, then reboot the hubs and controllers. Apple notes that the profile may expire, so use the current Apple Matter OTA User Guide to check its status and obtain the current instructions; do not rely on an old copy.
4. Confirm the hub and software requirements
Apple’s guide names Apple TV, HomePod, and HomePod mini as supported home hubs for Matter OTA. A Thread accessory needs a Thread-capable Apple hub. The primary home hub provides the firmware, and it must be running a supported software version. Apple’s guide has historically listed iOS 16.5 beta 3 and tvOS 16.5 beta 3 as minimums for Apple OTA testing; those are dated minimum guidance, not a recommendation to use those old releases. Confirm current requirements in Apple’s guide and release notes.
Rank #2
- MEET ECHO SHOW 15 - A stunning 15.6" Full-HD (1080p) smart display that's perfect for your kitchen and ready to show you more. Use customizable widgets to keep your day on track, watch your favorite shows with Fire TV and powerful vibrant sound, and enjoy natural video calling, with 3.3x zoom and wide field of view.
- FAMILY ORGANIZATION HUB - See your top widgets at a glance, like your family’s calendars and to-do lists, local weather, smart home, and more.
- ALL YOUR FAVORITES, ALL RIGHT HERE - Built-in Fire TV unlocks endless entertainment, so you can enjoy your favorite content from thousands of apps like Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV, and more (subscription may be required). Fire TV remote included. Plus, now you can quickly add a device to play music with Active Media - start playing a song in the kitchen, then add the living room and bedroom on the fly.
- SMART HOME CENTRAL - Control smart devices with your voice or a few taps using the smart home dashboard. Easily turn on all your living room lights at once or check live camera feeds to see what's happening around your home.
- YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES ON DISPLAY - Brighten your space (and your day) by turning your home screen into a photo slideshow that displays your favorite memories. Auto curate your images and show off your favorite family memories.
5. Find the offer and approve it if needed
Open the accessory’s settings in the Home app and look for the offered firmware version. If automatic accessory updates are turned off, go to Home Settings > Software Update > Other Accessories and use Update in Home to approve the update manually.
6. Allow time for the offer and transfer
After TestNet DCL is updated, Apple says an update notification may appear within about 24 hours. For accessories using the default OTA Requestor implementation, Apple recommends allowing about 48 hours for the firmware to be applied. These are approximate expectations, not guaranteed deadlines.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How TestNet differs from MainNet
| Route | Apple OTA profile | Firmware and certification |
|---|---|---|
| TestNet DCL | Required; install it on every home hub and reboot hubs and controllers. | Required for uncertified firmware updates. Apple says a certified Matter accessory is not required for OTA testing; without certificates, accept the Home app’s Add Anyway prompt. |
| MainNet DCL | Not required. | Apple says certified firmware can use MainNet or TestNet. |
These are developer testing paths, not interchangeable consumer beta sign-up options. Follow Apple’s Matter OTA User Guide for the current workflow.
Quick Recap
If the update does not appear or install
- Check the published build: verify the OTA image format, header values, firmware URL, and TestNet DCL model-version fields.
- Check the TestNet setup: confirm the profile is present on every hub and controller, and that the devices were rebooted after installation.
- Check hub responsibility: make sure the primary home hub is on a supported version. For a Thread accessory, verify that the hub is Thread-capable.
- Check update approval: if automatic updates are disabled under Home Settings > Software Update > Other Accessories, manually press Update in Home.
- Wait for propagation: DCL changes and delivery can take many hours; use Apple’s approximate 24-hour notification and 48-hour application windows as guidance, not guarantees.
