How does HomeKit Remote Access work?

Solution 1:

I haven't reviewed the presentation that you linked to, but there's no need whatsoever for static IP or even IPv4 connectivity for Home Kit to work.

Apple has been using IPv6 addresses and doing reverse DNS routing from the days of MobileMe and Back-to-My-Mac introduction in 2009 along with Snow Leopard. I would expect that Home Kit leverages IPv6 and mDNS (a.k.a. Bonjour) heavily to avoid the need for millions of households to establish fixed IP addresses or even set anything up other than log into iCloud on the appropriate devices.

I would also expect tight integration with Apple's Airport line of routers, but also good instructions on what settings are needed on generic or third party routers.

See Can I use Back To My Mac's mDNS address and for ssh and other routing of traffic? for more details on the existing OS X usage of mDNS.

In short, no part of the communications will depend on IPv4 as long as there is a viable network connection from the equipment running in the home to Apple's Push Notification servers so that control signals can be delivered properly.

Solution 2:

As @bmike has suggested above, Apple has confirmed you'll need an Apple TV to support remote access.

From Apple's newly posted support page: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204893

Control your accessories away from home If you have an Apple TV (3rd generation or later) with software version 7.0 or later, you can control your HomeKit-enabled accessories when you're away from home using your iOS device.