Mac App Store met a similar fate. Lots of developers published there because Apple asked them to, but it is an afterthought for both developers and users.
I think the biggest problem with HomeKit is that for most people the primary UI for their smart home is a connected speaker, but a $150-$300 HomePod isn't something you can scatter all over your house the same way as a $20 Echo.
I think the biggest problem with HomeKit is that for most people the primary UI for their smart home is a connected speaker, but a $150-$300 HomePod isn't something you can scatter all over your house the same way as a $20 Echo.