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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Apple Home has no general-purpose switch for enrolling every Matter accessory in beta firmware. If you own an accessory, look for its manufacturer’s beta program and update instructions. Apple’s documented TestNet route is for developers testing Matter over-the-air (OTA) firmware—not a way to enroll an ordinary home in accessory betas.
Does Apple’s beta program cover Matter accessories?
No. Apple’s public beta program is for beta versions of Apple software; third-party accessory firmware comes from the accessory’s manufacturer or developer. Apple Support directs users to check the manufacturer’s app for accessory firmware updates. Apple Beta Software Program enrollment does not, by itself, enable beta firmware for a Matter accessory.
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If you own the accessory
Check the manufacturer’s official app, beta program, or support instructions for your specific device. The manufacturer controls whether a beta exists, who can enroll, and how its firmware is delivered. Apple Home may display or apply an offered update, but it is not a universal accessory-beta enrollment portal. Apple’s accessory update guidance recommends checking the manufacturer’s app.
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Apple documents a developer workflow in which Apple devices act as the Matter OTA Provider. The developer publishes the firmware offer in the TestNet Distributed Compliance Ledger (DCL), and Apple home hubs deliver the offered image to the accessory. This route requires a valid Matter OTA image and TestNet setup; it is distinct from joining a manufacturer’s consumer beta.
#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 a valid Matter OTA image
Build the image to the Matter software image format. Apple lists these required OTA 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. See Apple’s Matter OTA User Guide for the current workflow and requirements.
2. Publish the test build in TestNet DCL
Enter the firmware image URL and required model-version information in TestNet DCL. Apple also recommends testing MinApplicableSoftwareVersion and MaxApplicableSoftwareVersion when working with incremental updates, so the offer is scoped to the intended accessory software versions.
3. Install the TestNet OTA profile on all home hubs
Apple’s guide requires its TestNet profile when using TestNet DCL. The profile directs Apple devices to TestNet rather than the default MainNet. Install it on every home hub, then reboot the hubs and controllers. Check Apple’s current guide for the profile link and whether the profile is still valid: Apple notes that it can expire, and its present availability should not be assumed.
4. Confirm the hub and software requirements
Apple lists Apple TV, HomePod, or HomePod mini as home hubs for Matter OTA testing. A Thread accessory needs a Thread-capable Apple hub. The primary home hub is the device responsible for providing the firmware, and it must run a supported software version. Apple’s guide has historically named iOS 16.5 beta 3 and tvOS 16.5 beta 3 as minimums for this testing workflow; those are historical minimum guidance, not a recommendation to use those old beta releases today. Confirm current requirements in Apple’s guide and release notes.
Rank #2
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5. Find and approve the offer in Home
After publishing the offer and completing setup, check the accessory’s settings in the Home app for the offered firmware version. If automatic accessory updates are disabled, open Home Settings > Software Update > Other Accessories and approve the update by tapping Update in Home when it is offered.
6. Allow time for the offer and transfer
Apple says a Home notification may appear within about 24 hours after the DCL update. It recommends allowing 48 hours for the firmware to be applied when the accessory uses the default OTA Requestor implementation. These are approximate expectations, not guarantees; custom requestor behavior or other setup issues may change the timing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.MainNet and TestNet are different testing paths
Apple says no profile is needed to test against MainNet DCL; its OTA profile is required for TestNet DCL. Apple’s guide says certified firmware can use either MainNet or TestNet, while uncertified firmware updates must use TestNet. A certified Matter accessory is not required for Apple Home OTA testing; without certificates, a developer can accept Home’s Add Anyway prompt. These are developer testing distinctions, not alternate consumer enrollment options.
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Quick Recap
Troubleshoot an update that does not appear or install
- No offer appears: Verify the image URL and required model-version fields in TestNet DCL, then allow for Apple’s approximate propagation time.
- TestNet is not being used: Confirm the profile is installed on every home hub and controller, and that those devices were rebooted after installation. Check Apple’s current guide in case the profile has expired.
- The accessory cannot receive the update: Confirm there is a supported Apple home hub, that a Thread accessory has a Thread-capable hub, and that the primary home hub is running supported software.
- The offer is visible but needs approval: Check whether automatic updates are disabled under Home Settings > Software Update > Other Accessories, then use Home’s Update control.
- The update remains pending: Check the OTA image format and DCL values, then allow the approximate transfer period Apple specifies for the default OTA Requestor before investigating further.
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