IKEA GRILLPLATS Review - Is this the BEST Apple Home smart plug you can buy in 2026 @AppleHomeAuthority

AppleHome Authority This might be the cheapest smart plug you can buy right now for Apple Home

This is the IKEA GRILLPLATS and I have been waiting since it was announced to get my hands on one

Six pounds for the plug, seven if you want it with a remote bundle. The remote alone is 3 pound to buy speerate, so it makes the piug effetely 4 pound

And at that price… it almost sounds too good.

Because on paper, it ticks everything.

Matter
Thread
Energy monitoring
Apple Home
I tested how it works just using the remote, with the IKEA hub… and most importantly, how it actually behaves inside Apple Home via Matter
And here’s the thing, its almost perfect, but it does have some issues

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0:00 Intro
0:48 Design
2:48 Using with just the remote
4:31 Using it in IKEA
6:20 Using it in Apple Home
8:04 Review Summary

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Videos may contain affiliate links to Amazon product pages which can help support and grow this channel with no extra cost to you. Thanks for your continued support.

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#HomeKit #IKEA #Apple #Applehome #matter #Smarthome

updated 6 months ago

IKEA GRILLPLATS Review - Is this the BEST Apple Home smart plug you can buy in 2026

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-20 | This might be the cheapest smart plug you can buy right now for Apple Home

This is the IKEA GRILLPLATS and I have been waiting since it was announced to get my hands on one

Six pounds for the plug, seven if you want it with a remote bundle. The remote alone is 3 pound to buy speerate, so it makes the piug effetely 4 pound

And at that price… it almost sounds too good.

Because on paper, it ticks everything.

Matter
Thread
Energy monitoring
Apple Home
I tested how it works just using the remote, with the IKEA hub… and most importantly, how it actually behaves inside Apple Home via Matter
And here’s the thing, its almost perfect, but it does have some issues

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0:00 Intro
0:48 Design
2:48 Using with just the remote
4:31 Using it in IKEA
6:20 Using it in Apple Home
8:04 Review Summary

Amazon Affiliate disclosure
Videos may contain affiliate links to Amazon product pages which can help support and grow this channel with no extra cost to you. Thanks for your continued support.

AppleHome Authority is not in any way affiliated or endorsed by Apple Inc. or any subsidiary companies related to Apple.

#HomeKit #IKEA #Apple #Applehome #matter #Smarthome

Everything Apple Home - Nuki NFC Home Key support and Govee new string lights #applehome #homekit

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-29 | This week in Everything Apple Home, Nuki adds Apple Home Key via a new keypad, but it’s NFC only with no UWB, raising questions about where smart locks are heading.

Govee launches new outdoor string lights with true per bulb colour control, and Apple Home Spring deals are live with hundreds of offers ending March 31st.

If you’re planning to upgrade your setup, now is the time.

For deeper coverage, visit AppleHomeAuthority.com and follow for weekly Apple Home updates. #hometech #applehome #homekit #smarthome

The History of Apple Home 2022 2025

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-29 | In Part 3 of the complete history of Apple Home, we cover 2022 through to 2025 — the period where everything started to come together.

This era marks the arrival of Matter, Apple’s shift toward a more open and interoperable smart home standard, and the transition from “HomeKit” as a brand to Apple Home as the platform users recognise today. With Matter support built directly into Apple Home, the ecosystem began expanding beyond its early limitations, while still maintaining Apple’s focus on privacy and local control.

We also saw major changes to the Home app itself, including a full redesign, the introduction and rollout of the new Home architecture, and improvements aimed at reliability and performance across larger setups.

At the same time, new device categories and features started to arrive, including robot vacuum support, guest access, interactive widgets, and deeper system integrations across iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Apple also began laying the groundwork for future features like Ultra Wideband smart locks and adaptive temperature control, even if real-world products took time to catch up.

If the earlier years were about foundations and direction, this is where Apple Home became a modern smart home platform.

Part 3 covers: 2022 to 2025

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The History of Apple Home - 2019 - 2021 - The Years that built what we have

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-28 | In Part 2 of the complete history of Apple Home, we move into one of the most important turning points for the platform, covering 2019 through to 2021.

This period saw Apple double down on privacy with the introduction of HomeKit Secure Video, bringing local processing and end-to-end encrypted camera footage into the smart home. It also marked the beginning of Apple’s shift toward broader ecosystem support, including the early foundations of Matter and the move away from a fully closed system.

We also saw major hardware and platform developments, including HomePod mini with Thread support, the expansion of Apple TV as a Home hub, and the introduction of Apple Home Key for smart locks.

At the same time, Apple continued refining the Home experience with features like Adaptive Lighting, facial recognition for cameras, Intercom, and improved automation capabilities.

If Part 1 was about the foundations, this is where Apple Home started to take shape into something far more capable and forward-looking.

Part 2 covers: 2019 to 2021

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0:00 Intro
1:14 2014
2:54 2015
4:31 2016
6:10 2017
7:59 2018

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Make Your Own Apple Home Hub Right Now #applehome #homekit

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-28 | Want a central Apple Home control panel without waiting for new hardware? This simple iPad hack uses Guided Access to create a dedicated smart home screen for your lights, cameras, locks, and scenes.

Perfect for mounting on a wall or placing in a shared space, giving your whole household easy access to your Apple Home setup.

Works with any iPad and takes less than a minute to set up.

Follow for more Apple Home tips, smart home setups, and honest reviews. #smarthome #apple #homepad

The History of Apple Home - 2014 2018 - The early years that started it all

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-27 | This was originally released as a longer version, but based on feedback this has been split into parts. This will also allow releasing a yearly version.In this first part of the complete history of Apple Home, we go right back to the beginning, covering 2014 through to 2018 and how it all started with HomeKit.

From its debut at WWDC 2014 as a developer-focused framework, through to the launch of the Home app in iOS 10, this period laid the foundations for everything Apple Home has become today. While adoption was slow and the ecosystem limited, Apple’s focus on privacy, security, and local control shaped the direction of the platform from day one.

In this video, we cover the early challenges, key milestones, and major platform changes including the introduction of the Home app, automations, Apple TV as a Home hub, software authentication, and the arrival of HomePod.

If you want to understand why Apple Home works the way it does today, this is where it all began.

Part 1 covers: 2014 to 2018

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0:00 Intro
1:14 2014
2:54 2015
4:31 2016
6:10 2017
7:59 2018

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#HomeKit #Apple #Applehome #Smarthome

Getting started with Apple Home #applehome #homekit #smarthome

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-26 | Getting started with Apple Home? Here’s everything you need to know to build your first smart home setup.

From choosing a Home hub like Apple TV or HomePod, to picking your first smart plug or smart light, this is the easiest way to start with Apple Home and Matter.

#AppleHome #HomeKit #SmartHome #Matter #smartlife

Build your Apple Home for less #applehome #homekit

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-25 | applehomeauthority.com/apple-home-spring-deals-the-best-smart-home-discounts-right-now

This is the best time to upgrade your Apple Home setup. 100+ deals. Up to 40% off. Updated daily.

Live March 25–31 only.#apple #applehome #HomeKit #smarthome #smartliving

Everything Apple Home - Aqara g350, G400 and the U200 is getting AWB. IKEA GRILLPLATS is available

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-22 | In this week’s Everything Apple Home, Aqara teases a next generation U200 smart lock with UWB, launches the new G350 camera and G400 doorbell, and IKEA’s GRILLPLATS smart plug lands across the UK, US and Europe.

For more, visit AppleHomeAuthority.com and follow for weekly Apple Home updates.

#applenews
#applehome #homekit #ikea #aqara

IKEA GRILLPLATS Smart Plug #applehome #homekit #ikea

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-21 | ...

Aqara G400 smart video doorbell for Apple Home #applehome #aqara #homekit

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-20 | Aqara has now released the long awaited, G400,

It brings 2K video, a new head-to-toe camera view, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, plus the option to power it with direct power or power over ethernet, AI detection, and support for Apple Home and HomeKit Secure Video.

And an new interesting feature, e is the phone style interface when someone presses the doorbell

Aqara sent this over about seven weeks ago for review, and I’ve been using it as my main doorbell since then. As always, Aqara has had no input into this video and is seeing the review at the same time as you are.

So with that out of the way, let’s take a look.

#HomeKit #IKEA #Apple #Applehome #matter #smarthome

Aqara G350 could be the smartest camera for Apple Home #applehome #aqara

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-17 | It is a dual-lens 4K indoor camera with pan and tilt movement, auto tracking, and a surprisingly powerful set of AI features. It also works with Apple Home and HomeKit Secure Video, while being the first camera to support Matter for wider smart home compatibility and its a smart hub too

Aqara sent this over for review about 7 weeks and What really matters is how well it works in a real home.

So in this video I am going to walk you through the design, setup, Apple Home integration, some of the more advanced features inside the Aqara app

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Aqara G350 Review - with HomeKit Secure Video and the first Matter smart camera

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-17 | This is the Aqara G350.

It is a dual-lens 4K indoor camera with pan and tilt movement, auto tracking, and a surprisingly powerful set of AI features. It also works with Apple Home and HomeKit Secure Video, while being the first camera to support Matter for wider smart home compatibility and its a smart hub too

Aqara sent this over for review about 7 weeks and What really matters is how well it works in a real home.

So in this video I am going to walk you through the design, setup, Apple Home integration, some of the more advanced features inside the Aqara app

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0:00 Intro
0:51 Design
2:00 Setup
2:45 Apple Home
4:41 Aqara Features
8:31 Video quality
11:11 Review summary

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Aqara G400 Review: Almost the Perfect Apple Home Doorbell with WiFi 6, POE and HomeKit Secure Video

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-17 | Aqara has now released the long awaited, G400,

It brings 2K video, a new head-to-toe camera view, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, plus the option to power it with direct power or power over ethernet, AI detection, and support for Apple Home and HomeKit Secure Video.

And an new interesting feature, e is the phone style interface when someone presses the doorbell

Aqara sent this over about seven weeks ago for review, and I’ve been using it as my main doorbell since then. As always, Aqara has had no input into this video and is seeing the review at the same time as you are.

So with that out of the way, let’s take a look.

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0:00 Intro
0:50 Design
2:28 Setup
3:12 Apple Home
5:56 Aqara App
8:00 Quality
8:44 Review Summary

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Videos may contain affiliate links to Amazon product pages which can help support and grow this channel with no extra cost to you. Thanks for your continued support.

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IKEA’s Matter Devices Have a Problem… But It’s NOT the Hardware

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-12 | IKEA is actually doing something really impressive right now in the smart home space.

They have quietly built one of the most compelling affordable smart home lineups on the market. And a lot of their newest devices support Matter over Thread, which is exactly where the industry is heading.

But after testing and reviewing more than ten of IKEA’s new smart home devices, there is one major problem.

The products are good.
The technology is good.

But IKEA is still acting like a furniture company when it comes to smart home. The problem is that the information explaining how they actually work is half baked and not thought through

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#HomeKit #IKEA #Apple #Applehome #matter #Smarthome

Level up your Apple Home lighting with one simple upgrade: ambient lighting. #applehome

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-12 | In this Short I’m sharing three easy ways to transform the feel of your room using Apple Home scenes and smart lighting.

First, backlighting behind the TV. Light strips or TV light bars create a soft glow around the screen that instantly makes movie nights feel more cinematic. You can also add them into Apple Home scenes and automations to match the mood.

Second, ambient lamps. Instead of relying on harsh ceiling lights, place smart lamps around the room and dim them in Apple Home. You can use smart bulbs in existing lamps or dedicated smart lamps designed for mood lighting.

Third, wall ambient lighting. Light bars or wall lights that wash colour onto the wall add depth to the room and can either energise the space or create a relaxed atmosphere.

Follow Apple Home Authority for more Apple Home tips, automations, and smart home ideas. #applehome #apple #homekit #smartlighting

Everything Apple Home Ep.7 - First Aliro Smart Lock, New IKEA Matter Devices & Robot Vacuums #apple

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-08 | This week in Apple Home:

🔐 Aqara U400 becomes the first smart lock with Aliro support
🔌 IKEA launches GRILLPLATS and TOFSMYGGA Matter over Thread smart plugs
💡 The iconic IKEA VARMBLIXT lamp gets a smart upgrade
🤖 Ecovacs releases the Deebot T90 Pro Omni with 18,000Pa suction and Matter

Plus, Apple Home Spring Deals are coming soon across our website and social channels.

Visit AppleHomeAuthority.com for deeper coverage, reviews, and Apple Home news #homekit #everythingapplehome #applehome #smarthome

IKEA VARMBLIXT Matter & Apple Home Review - IKEA’s Smartest Lamp Yet

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-08 | So IKEA is really starting to build momentum with its Matter over Thread smart home devices, and the latest product to get the treatment is the iconic VARMBLIXT donut lamp. What makes this version particularly interesting is that it’s essentially a smart upgrade of the original lamp, keeping the same design but adding smart features.

It looks almost identical.
It costs the same price.

But now it adds colour changing lighting, a remote control in the box, and support for Matter which means it works inside Apple Home.

On paper that sounds like an incredible upgrade.

But after using it for a couple of weeks I discovered some really good things about it, and also a few things you absolutely need to be aware of before buying one.

So in this video I’m going to show you the design, how it works with Apple Home, how the remote behaves, and some quirks in the setup that caught me by surprise.

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0:00 Intro
0:46 Design and Features
3:05 Setup
4:28 Apple Home
7:18 Summary

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#HomeKit #IKEA #Apple #Applehome #matter #Smarthome

IKEA just upgraded its viral donut lamp. VARMBLIXT 🍩💡#applehome #ikea

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-07 | IKEA just upgraded its viral donut lamp. 🍩💡
Now it’s Matter over Thread, works with Apple Home and Siri, includes a remote, and adds colour changing.

The best part… it’s the same price as the original. #applehome #apple #ikea

Next level lighting for Apple Home #applehome #smarthome

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-06 | Most people think smart lighting in Apple Home is just turning bulbs on and off. But addressable lighting takes things to a completely different level.

Instead of controlling an entire light strip as one colour, addressable lights let you control individual sections of the strip independently. That means you can create gradients, animated effects, or split the strip into multiple colours at once, all within your Apple Home scenes and automations.

Imagine a movie night scene where the lights behind your TV slowly fade into a warm gradient, or a gaming setup where different colours run across the strip for a more immersive look.

Once you start using addressable lighting in Apple Home, basic smart lights suddenly feel very limited.

This is what next level lighting in Apple Home really looks like.

The Apple Home Feature Everyone Should Use #applehome #homekit

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-05 | Scenes are one of the most powerful features in Apple Home. Instead of controlling devices one by one, a single tap can trigger multiple actions across your smart home.

In this example, my Movie Night scene dims the lights to 10 percent, closes the blinds, switches my LED light strip behind the TV to warm bias lighting, and powers on the Apple TV. The whole room is ready for the film in seconds.

You can trigger scenes from the Home app, your Apple Watch, Control Centre, or with Siri.

Once you start using scenes in Apple Home, you will wonder how you ever managed your smart home without them.

#AppleHome #SmartHome #HomeKit #AppleHomeTips #SmartHomeAutomation 🎬

Aliro 1.0 Explained: The Digital Key Standard that’s bringing Apple Home Key to Google and Samsung

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-03 | Built by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, the same organisation behind Matter, Aliro is designed to unify digital keys across ecosystems. That means Apple, Google and Samsung alignment from day one, with support for NFC, Bluetooth LE and even Ultra Wideband for secure hands-free unlocking.

But what does this actually mean for Apple Home users?

In this video, I break down:

• What Aliro 1.0 really is
• How it differs from Apple Home Key
• Why wallet integration matters
• The role of UWB in future smart locks
• How Aliro and Matter work together
• Whether this could reduce ecosystem lock-in
• And what happens next for manufacturers

Aliro is not just about front doors. It is designed for homes, offices, hotels, universities and multi-dwelling buildings. If widely adopted, it could become the universal layer for digital credentials across the entire access control industry.

For Apple Home users, this could mean more compatible locks, easier integration, and a more consistent digital key experience long term.

Let me know in the comments:

Would you prefer a universal digital key standard, or do you like ecosystem-specific features like Apple Home Key?

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#HomeKit #Aliro #Apple #Applehome #matter #Smarthome #samsung

Home Key now available on Samsung Galaxy phones #samsunggalaxy #applehome

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-02 | Apple Home Key is moving beyond Apple devices, and it’s happening through the new Aliro standard which Apple has been a huge part of creating

The first smart lock to support this is the Aqara U400, bringing secure digital keys to Samsung Galaxy phones through Samsung Wallet.

Aliro is designed to unify digital key access across platforms, meaning one standard that works across ecosystems instead of being locked into just one brand.

Your digital home key is protected by Samsung security, with biometric or PIN authentication and the ability to remotely remove access if your phone is lost.

Samsung is rolling out NFC unlocking to start and then bring UWB support in late April

This is a big moment for smart locks, because for the first time, Apple style digital key convenience is expanding to a wider audience.

Everything Apple Home - Aliro is launched, Philips Hue, Roborock and even formula one!

AppleHome Authority 2026-03-01 | Aliro 1.0 launches to simplify digital keys 🔐
Hue Essentials light strips land in the UK and Europe 💡
Roborock Saros 20 with Matter and serious suction power is here 🤖
And Apple Maps adds the 2026 F1 calendar 🏎️

#homkit #applehome #apple

IKEA KAJPLATS Smart Bulbs ⚡ Matter over Thread Speed on a Budget #applehome #homekit

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-28 | The new IKEA KAJPLATS smart bulbs might be one of the best value upgrades you can make to your Apple Home setup right now.

Fast, responsive performance thanks to Matter over Thread, near instant reactions in automations, and proper smart home reliability without spending premium money.

✔ Matter over Thread connectivity
✔ Super fast response inside Apple Home
✔ Mesh networking for better stability
✔ Budget pricing that actually makes sense

If you want smart lighting that feels quick, reliable and affordable… these are seriously hard to ignore.

#AppleHome #Matter #Thread #SmartHome #IKEA #KAJPLATS #HomeKit

Apple Home Hubs vs Bridges and which to choose for your smart home

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-27 | You buy a smart home device.

It says Works with Apple Home.

But then you might see something like “bridge needed” or hub needed and might be confused by all the terms

And suddenly you’re thinking: What do I need?
Isn’t my HomePod or Apple TV already doing this?
What’s the difference between a Home hub and a bridge anyway?

If you’ve ever felt confused by that, you are not alone.

So in this video, I’m going to break it down properly.

What Apple Home hubs actually do.
What manufacturer bridges do.
Why both still exist and why bridges are still very much important
And most importantly, what you actually need in your home.

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#HomeKit #smarthome #Apple #Applehome #matter #Smarthome

Apple Maps just added F1 tracks and they are very detailed #applehome #apple #f1 #applemaps

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-26 | ...

Upgrade your Apple Home today! #homekit #apple #applehome

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-25 | Most people add more devices when Apple Home feels slow.
Reality? Fix the foundation first.

Hardwired Apple TV + default Home Hub = stronger network, smoother automations, and better reliability across the whole home.

#applehome #homekit #smarthome

Everything Apple Home - iOS 26.4, Apple TV, Tedee gets matter support & FP300 #apple #applehome

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-22 | Episode 5 of Everything Apple Home is live.

tvOS 26.4 Beta 1 lands, Tedee finally adds Matter support, and I’ve published my full Aqara FP300 review.

If you care about stability, smart locks, and smarter automations, this week matters.

Watch now and visit AppleHomeAuthority.com for deeper coverage.
#applehome #apple #smarthome #homekit

8 Apple Home Fixes That Instantly Make Your Smart Home Better

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-20 | Once you start building out an Apple Home,You add a few lights. Maybe a smart plug. A sensor. Then a lock. Then a camera.
and suddenly you’ve got a proper setup.
But over time… it can start to feel inconsistent.
Sometimes it can feel Slightly slow.
Sometimes just chaotic.
More importantly people in the home sometimes struggle to use devices, you need to remember that adoption can be harder for others.
And before you go out and buy more devices, it’s really important to stop and fix the foundations first.

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0:00 Intro
1:02 Hardwire Apple TV
2:01 Default Apple Hub
3:38 Presence Sensors
4:33 Automations
5:29 Naming rooms
6:19 Naming Devices
7:27 Using Zones
8:12 Motion in Cameras

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#HomeKit #smarthome #Apple #Applehome #matter #Smarthome

Improve your Apple Home performance by choosing the default Home hub! #applehome #homekit #homepod

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-19 | Having multiple Apple hubs in your home can be great for Music and voice control but it can cause issues with Apple Home, this is because Apple automatically decides which one is active.

And that sounds smart… but it isn’t always.

If you have ever experienced issues with devices going no response or taking a long time to respond. Or automations not triggering and might be because the deafult hub running your smart home is a HomePod tucked away in the far corner of your house randomly becoming the active hub when your wired Apple TV is sitting there ready to do the job better.

17 February 2026

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-17 | ...

Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor Review - The Ultimate Smart Sensor for Apple Home?

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-16 | Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor Review

The Ultimate Smart Sensor for Apple Home?

Buy this product via Amazon - geni.us/AqaraFP300x

This is the Aqara FP300 presence sensor and I have been wanting to review this for sometime and I have finally gotten around to testing in my home.

The Aqara FP300 Presence features PIR motion detection. 60GHz millimeter wave presence detection. Zigbee and Thread support. Matter compatibility. Built in light sensor. Temperature sensor. Humidity sensor. And crucially, it is battery powered and completely wireless.

That last point alone makes it very different from what Aqara have released before in this space

After testing inside an Apple Home setup, this is my full in depth review of the Aqara FP300 continue watching to find out why I think this might be one of the best Apple Home smart sensors you can buy right now

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Everything Apple Home - New Siri, HomeKit is gone, new locks & HomePod turned 8 #applehome #homekit

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-15 | Apple officially retires legacy HomeKit, IKEA’s new Matter range raises questions, Xiaomi enters the Matter smart lock space, and the long awaited new Siri appears to be delayed.

Plus, the original HomePod turns 8 years old and yes, I’m still running two as a stereo pair.

In this week’s episode of Everything Apple Home, we break down what these updates actually mean for Apple Home users and where things could be heading next in 2026.

For deeper coverage on every story, visit AppleHomeAuthority.com and follow for more Apple Home news, reviews, and real world insights.

#applehome #homekit #everythingapplehome #homepod

The Journey of Apple Home and HomeKit from 2014 to 2025

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-15 | Apple Home didn’t just appear overnight. What we’re using in 2026 is the result of more than a decade of deliberate decisions that started back in 2014 with a developer-focused framework called HomeKit. From day one, Apple chose a slower path, prioritising security, privacy, and long-term reliability over rapid expansion or chasing market share.

In this video, I’m taking you through the full history of Apple Home, from 2014 right through to the end of 2025. This is based on nearly a decade of using HomeKit and Apple Home in my own setup, over six years of reviewing and reporting on Apple Home devices, and months of research digging through WWDC keynotes and developer documentation.

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Aqara U200 - geni.us/U200aqara
Aqara U400 - geni.us/AqaraU400US
Apple TV 4K - geni.us/Appletv4kHA
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Siri and Apple Home locking in your romantic evening #apple #applehome #homekit

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-14 | ...

Apple Home vs Home Assistant - Which One Is Actually Better?

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-12 | Alright, let’s talk about one of the most common arguments in the smart home world.

Apple Home
Versus
Home Assistant

Which one is better?

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Apple Home devices to look out for in 2026. #applehome #apple #hometech

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-10 | Face ID smart locks.
Always on wired cameras.
Smarter heating that adapts to real room use.
And Apple Home support actually landing where it matters.

From SwitchBot pushing biometric locks with Matter and Apple Home Key ambitions,
to Eufy fixing doorbells with proper tracking and HomeKit Secure Video,
to Aqara building real intelligence with Adaptive Temperature control, on screen doorbell alerts, and an always on wired G400 camera.

This isn’t about more gadgets.
It’s about Apple Home finally feeling smart, reliable, and ready.

#homekit #apple #Applehome #smarthome

Goodbye to HomeKit and Looking Ahead to Apple Home in 2026 and beyond

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-10 | f you’ve been using Apple Home for a long time, the original HomeKit framework is no longer being supported after today.

Apple confirmed in 2025 that support for its original HomeKit architecture will officially end on February 10, 2026. That date gives users a clear final deadline to move to the newer system, but it also represents something bigger than a technical upgrade. It marks the end of a long transition period that started several years ago, as Apple slowly evolved HomeKit into something faster, more reliable, and far better suited to the smart homes we live in today.

This isn’t Apple suddenly changing direction. This has been happening quietly, step by step, under the surface.

And to really understand why this moment matters, we need to look back at where it all started.

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Aqara U200 - One year on and it’s still the best retrofit smart lock for #apple home users. #homekit

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-09 | Aqara U200

One year on and it’s still the best retrofit smart lock for Apple Home users.

Matter over Thread for fast, local, reliable control
Apple Home + Home Key support
Fingerprint unlocking for instant access
Keypad unlock when you need it
Traditional key also

Simple install. No door replacement. Just works the way a smart lock should. #apple #aqara #applehome #smarthome #homekit

Everything Apple Home - Apple Home Legacy Ends, New Siri Incoming & Smart Home Updates #apple

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-08 | This week in Apple Home: the legacy HomeKit architecture is officially coming to an end, Eve expands MotionBlinds retrofits, Dreame’s Matter lightstrip lands in Europe, Aqara launches a new camera hub, and new Siri could arrive as soon as next week with iOS 26.4.

We also look at what these changes mean in the wider context of Apple Home’s evolution, plus where things are heading next.

For deeper coverage, reviews, and long-form Apple Home insights, visit AppleHomeAuthority.com and follow us for more. #applehomekit #homekit #smarthometech #smarthome

Ikeas new Matter smart home range is insane! #apple #applehome #homekit

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-07 | Ikeas new Matter smart home range is insane! The best prices by a huge margin and all work with Matter and Apple Home

#apple #ikea #applehome #HomeKit #smarthome

What is Apple Home? An introduction to Apples Smart home platform formally known as HomeKit

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-03 | Apple launched HomeKit back in September 2014 alongside iOS 8.

Fast forward to 2026, and that original idea has evolved into what we now call Apple Home.
It’s more capable, more reliable, and for the first time, it has a genuinely clear direction thanks to Matter, Thread, and modern networking.

Getting started with Apple Home is actually pretty straightforward.
It just takes a bit of setup up front and a basic understanding of how the pieces fit together.

In this video, I’m going to walk you through what Apple Home is, what you can do with it, what you actually need, how to organise your home properly, and the standards and wireless technology that make the whole thing reliable long term.

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Aqara U200 - geni.us/U200aqara
Aqara U400 - geni.us/AqaraU400US
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Everything Apple Home - Apple hub, new AirTag, Siri iOS 26.4, more smart locks and DJI #applehome

AppleHome Authority 2026-02-01 | Everything Apple Home this Week in just 3 minutes.

For full breakdowns and deeper dives, visit https://www.AppleHomeAuthority.com

This week we cover
Apple’s rumoured Apple Home Hub and the new swivel base hardware leak
AirTag 2 officially launching with longer range and improved Precision Finding
The new Siri coming in iOS 26.4 and why it matters for Apple Home control
DJI joining the Connectivity Standards Alliance and what it could mean for Matter robot vacuums
Shelly’s Gen 4 Dimmer gaining Matter support
Yale launching the Linus L2 Lite smart lock with Apple Home support
Dreame’s first Matter smart lock entering the Apple Home ecosystem

If you care about Apple Home, Matter, and where the smart home is actually heading, this one’s for you.

For full breakdowns and deeper dives, visit AppleHomeAuthority.com
Subscribe for weekly Apple Home news, reviews, and real world insights.

#AppleHome
#Matter
#SmartHome
#AppleNews
#Siri
#homeautomation

Apple Home vs HomeKit vs Matter - Explained

AppleHome Authority 2026-01-29 | If you have ever tried to build an Apple smart home and felt confused by the terms Apple Home, HomeKit, and Matter, you are not alone.

They are often used interchangeably online, on product boxes, and even by manufacturers, but they are not the same thing. And understanding the difference actually matters more in 2026 than it ever has before.

Two devices can appear side by side in the Home app, both respond to the voice assistant, and yet can sometime behave very differently behind the scenes due to the implementation

So in this video, I am going to break down what Apple Home actually is, what HomeKit really means, where Matter fits in, and most importantly, what you should care about when buying devices.

By the end, you will understand how Apple’s smart home stack is structured and how to build a setup that is reliable and future proof.

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Aqara U200 - geni.us/U200aqara
Aqara U400 - geni.us/AqaraU400US
Apple TV 4K - geni.us/Appletv4kHA
Meross Presence sensor - geni.us/merosspresense
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The new Apple AirTag 2 range is INSANE 🔥🔥🔥 #airtag #applehome #apple

AppleHome Authority 2026-01-29 | I tested the new Apple AirTag 2 and the range with the new ultra wide band and Bluetooth chips are insane

Apple AirTag 2 review - smarter, louder, longer-range, but worth the upgrade?

AppleHome Authority 2026-01-28 | Products in this video

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Almost 4 years on from the original AirTag, Apple’s second-generation tracker is finally here.

And at first glance, it looks almost exactly the same.

But that’s very much the point.

AirTag 2 is not a radical rethink. Apple hasn’t tried to reinvent something that already worked extremely well. Instead, this update focuses on the areas that actually matter in real use. Range, precision, and everyday usability rather than flashy new features. After all over the years Apple has continued to update the 1st gen

I own 3 of the original AirTags and used them on keys, a wallet and my travel case.

So After using AirTag 2 and running side-by-side distance tests against the original, this feels like a quiet but confident evolution. The question is not whether it is better, because it clearly is, but whether it is worth upgrading for most people.

So let’s break it down.

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AirTag generation 1 does not appear to support the Apple Watch Precision Finding #apple #applehome

AppleHome Authority 2026-01-26 | As suspected, first generation AirTag does not appear to support the Apple Watch Precision Finding experience introduced with iOS 26.2.1, and it becomes obvious the moment you try to set it up.

After updating to iOS 26.2.1, I opened Apple Watch Control Center and tried to add the new Find Items widget. The widget itself was available, but when it came to selecting an AirTag, none of my three AirTags appeared. They all show up in Find My on iPhone and still work normally for location tracking and playing a sound, but the Watch would not let me add or surface them through Control Center.

AirTag 2nd generation just released #apple #applehome #airtag

AppleHome Authority 2026-01-26 | Apple has unveiled the second generation AirTag, keeping the same familiar design but upgrading what matters most: how easily you can actually find your stuff. The new model brings a longer locating range, improved Precision Finding, and a significantly louder speaker, all while continuing to lean on the Find My network for wide area tracking.

Everything Apple Home News - Siri ChatBot, Switch Ai Hub, New Apple TV 4K, Netatmo #applehome

AppleHome Authority 2026-01-25 | Everything Apple Home is back with your weekly 3 minute Apple Home news recap. This week we cover the iOS 27 Siri chatbot rumours and what it could unlock for Apple Home, SwitchBot’s new Matter AI Hub, Netatmo’s new thermostat and smart radiator valve with Matter support, and the latest on the next Apple TV.

Plus, check out our latest view on the IKEA Matter smart bulb and our newest tutorial on how HomeKit Secure Video works.

Subscribe for weekly Apple Home news, reviews, and tutorials. Comment which story you want a deeper dive on next.

#homekit #applehome #smarthome