![]() This can be an Apple TV, an iPad that’s left plugged in or, more recently, a HomePod.Ĭleverly, any hub can be used to remote control any compatible Bluetooth devices. If you’d like to remote control your devices, you need a compatible fixed product at home that remains connected to your home network. Once devices have been discovered, they can be grouped into rooms and your Favourite devices appear both on the Home screen of the Home App and in iOS Control Centre. For smart devices that don’t use a bridge, such as LIFX bulbs, each device has to be added independently, which is a bit of a pain. For devices that connect through a hub, such as the Philips Hue lights, you need only add that single device to the Apple Home app all devices that connect through the bridge will be discovered automatically. Save this as an image file for safety, as it’s a one-time process to do and your device will never be compatible with HomeKit without this. Without this code, you can’t add any devices, so don’t lose it.įor devices that have been software upgraded, you’ll usually generate a software code. Installation requires scanning the unique HomeKit code, which is usually printed in a device’s manual and on a device itself. ![]() That’s an improvement over times of old, where you had to set up devices through the Home app only. Apple Home and HomeKit – SetupĪpple has improved its setup procedure to the point, where devices can now be added via the manufacturer’s app and included in Home. As with all systems it pays to check which devices are supported before you buy anything. Apple has a full list of supported devices, but it includes the likes of Philips Hue, LIFX, Tado and many Netatmo products. Support is better than with Samsung SmartThings, however, with more big names supporting Apple’s system. There are some notable big exceptions, such as the lack of support for the Nest Learning Thermostat (or any other Nest product), and the majority of smart appliances, such as the Dyson 360 Eye robot vacuum cleaner. For example, the excellent Netatmo Presence outdoor security camera now works with Apple Home.Įven though Apple has relaxed its requirements, the range of supported devices lags behind the likes of those for the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This meant that existing manufacturers often had to release new versions of hardware: HomeKit support was a big reason behind the launch of the newer Philips Hue bridge.Īpple has since relaxed its rules a little and now HomeKit and Home will work with devices that have had a software upgrade. Apple Home and HomeKit – Compatible devicesĪpple used to have very strict hardware requirements for Home and HomeKit compatibility and wanted every company to include an encryption co-processor. The lack of support outside of Apple smartphones and iPads, and some big smart home device names not being supported reduces the appeal a little. Powerful and simple automation complete the system and, for Apple users with the right kit, Home and HomeKit prove to be a winner. The Apple HomePod launch provided a way for simpler voice control with a smart speaker, competing with the likes of the Amazon Echo and Google Home. ![]() Previously, manufacturers had to have a hardware encryption chip, but now Apple is allowing software encryption instead, opening up the road for more devices. The main changes are that Apple has relaxed the way it requires manufacturers to join in. Now, the system has evolved and improved, with the Home app available on iOS and macOS Mojave. With iOS 10, Apple upped the stakes adding in the Home app. ![]() It was a rather limited attempt that only gave control via Siri. Apple was one of the first companies to try and centralise smart home device control into one app, launching HomeKit alongside iOS 8 back in 2014.
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