HomeKit: Smart living without hassle
You have a house full of Apple devices. An iPhone, an iPad, maybe an Apple Watch. You want to dim your lights with Siri. Control your thermostat from the couch. But you're drowning in options. Which smart devices actually work with HomeKit ? How do you avoid having to fiddle with three different apps?
Yet HomeKit isn't just another ecosystem that keeps you locked in. It's quite the opposite. While other platforms collect and resell your data, Apple stores everything locally on your devices . No cloud storage, no privacy concerns. And the best part: that old iPhone gathering dust? You can use it as a hub. Even with the right accessories, you can build a fully automated home for just a few tens of euros. Without having to be a techie.
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What exactly is HomeKit?
HomeKit is Apple's smart home platform that brings all your connected devices together in a single, intuitive app. The framework allows lights, thermostats, cameras, and other smart devices to work seamlessly with your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. The key difference compared to other platforms? Apple processes all data locally on your devices. No cloud storage of personal data, no worries about who's watching.
The system works through the Home app, which comes standard on every Apple device. This allows you to control all compatible accessories, set automations, and create scenes for different times of the day. You can even use an old iPad or iPhone as a permanent hub, allowing you to control your home from outside the home.
Compatible devices and categories
Relief
Smart lights are often the starting point for a HomeKit home. Philips Hue, LIFX, and Eve Light Strip work directly with the platform. You can dim them via Siri, set schedules, or have the lights turn on automatically at sunset. A smart switch like the Eve Light Switch replaces your existing light switch and even makes dumb lights smart.
Climate control
Thermostats from Tado, Honeywell, and Eve Room control the temperature in each room. The system learns your preferences and adjusts the heating based on your location. Leaving the house? The thermostat automatically switches to eco mode. Coming home? It's already comfortably warm.
Security
Security cameras from Logitech, Eufy, and Aqara stream directly to your Apple devices. With HomeKit Secure Video, recordings are encrypted and stored in iCloud without taking up any storage space. Smart door locks from Yale and August lock automatically when you leave. Motion sensors from Eve and Aqara activate lights or send notifications of unwanted movement.
Sensors and detectors
Air quality sensors measure CO2 levels and humidity. First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide detectors warn you via push notifications on your phone. Water sensors detect leaks before damage occurs. These devices work together in automations: for example, when CO2 levels are high, a window opens automatically using a smart window opener.
Installation and configuration
Adding devices is usually done via a QR code that you scan with your iPhone's camera. The Home app immediately recognizes the product and adds it to your home. You organize devices by room, so you can later say, "Hey Siri, turn off the living room lights."
For optimal performance, you'll need a hub. This could be an Apple TV, HomePod, or an iPad that stays at home permanently. The hub provides remote access and runs automations when you're away. A refurbished iPad mini is an affordable solution that you can leave charging permanently.
Automations and scenes
The real convenience comes with automations. Set triggers based on time, location, sensor data, or device operation. Some practical examples:
- Morning scene : At 7 o'clock the curtains open, the light in the bathroom turns on and the thermostat is set to 20 degrees
- Coming Home : As soon as your iPhone detects the Wi-Fi network, the front door unlocks and the hall light turns on.
- Movie mode : With one command, all lights dim, the curtains close and the TV switches on.
- Sleep Time : Turn off all lights, lock the doors, set the thermostat to night mode and turn on the cameras.
Privacy and security
All communication between devices is end-to-end encrypted. Manufacturers don't have access to your usage data. Apple itself doesn't even know which devices you use or how often you interact with them. Everything stays local to your own devices.
You can grant guest users temporary access through the Home app. They can control lights or adjust the thermostat without seeing your private information. Perfect for when you're on vacation and someone is watering the plants.
Tips for a smooth experience
- Start small : Begin with a few lights or a smart plug. Get to know the system before automating your entire home.
- Choose Thread : Newer devices use Thread technology for more stable connections. These mesh networks are more reliable than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- Group logically : Create groups like "all downstairs lights" or "bedroom lights." This way, you can control multiple devices simultaneously.
- Test automations : Check that triggers work as expected. Nothing is more annoying than a light coming on in the middle of the night.
- Update regularly : Both your Apple devices and accessories receive updates with improvements and new features.
Troubleshooting common problems
Devices sometimes respond slowly or drop out. This is usually due to network issues. Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi network with sufficient coverage. A mesh system like Eero or Velop is helpful for large homes.
Some accessories have their own apps with additional features. The Hue app, for example, offers more light effects than the Home app. You can use both simultaneously without conflict.
The future with Matter
Matter is the new standard being partnered by Apple, Google, and Amazon. Devices with Matter support will soon work across all platforms. So you're no longer tied to a single ecosystem. HomeKit will continue to protect your privacy, but you'll have more choices in compatible products.
With a refurbished iPhone or iPad as a starting point, you can build a smart home step by step. It doesn't have to be expensive. Start with some basic features and expand as you experience the benefits. The most important thing is that you maintain control over your data while enjoying the convenience.
A smart home that grows with you
HomeKit makes your home smarter without compromising your privacy . The system grows with you: start with a few lights and expand as you get the hang of it. That old iPhone or iPad you have lying around gets a second life as a hub.
With the arrival of Matter, the offerings are only expanding, while Apple's focus on local data processing remains. This way, you can build a home that truly works for you, step by step, without tech giants looking over your shoulder.
