You can control all your Matter and HomeKit devices with the Home application. The manager of this home (house) can choose to operate the devices outside the home and add additional people so that they can also use the Home app.
In addition, it is possible to set automations such as switching on the lights at sunset. To use these three things you need a HomePod, Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K. Up to and including iPadOS 15, Apple also offered the option to use an iPad as a HomeKit hub.
Why a HomeKit hub?
Without a hub it is not possible to operate the devices outside the home, add additional people or set up automations. So if you want to use this, you must purchase a HomePod, Apple TV HD, Apple TV 4K or Apple TV (up to iPadOS 15). If you have one of these devices, you can set it up as a hub for your home.
Difference between HomeKit and Matter
HomeKit is a smart home technology developed by Apple, while Matter is an open-source standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance. HomeKit is exclusive to Apple devices and offers integration with Siri and the Apple Home app, while Matter aims for compatibility across brands and protocols. HomeKit emphasizes security and requires certification of devices by Apple, while Matter also has security protocols but is an open and accessible standard.
HomeKit is more limited in compatibility, while Matter supports a wider range of devices, such as WiFi, Bluetooth LE and Thread. Essentially, HomeKit offers a closed, Apple-centric experience, while Matter takes a more open and inclusive approach to smart home integration. You can also use Matter accessories in third-party apps and platforms such as Google Home, Homey, etc.
Set up Apple TV as HomeKit Hub
Previously it was possible to use an Apple TV 3 as a hub. With the arrival of Home in iOS 10 and the new protocols, this is unfortunately no longer possible. Therefore, you must have an Apple TV HD (4th generation) or newer. The Home application and all HomeKit devices are linked to one iCloud account.
Set up Apple TV as a Home Hub
- Open ‘Settings’
- Go to ‘AirPlay and HomeKit
- Select your house at ‘Housing hub’
- Press the Touchpad (OK) to choose ‘Connected’
If you do not see the ‘Home Hub’ option, it is best to log out of iCloud, restart the Apple TV and then log back in to iCloud.
Do you still have tvOS 11 or tvOS 10 then you set this up via Settings â–¸ Accounts â–¸ iCloud â–¸ HomeKit.
Please note, to transform the Apple TV into a hub, you must also log in to this device with the iCloud account that is also used in the Home app. In addition, the Apple TV must be connected to your home network (internet/Wi-Fi), which is also used by the HomeKit devices.
Use HomePod as a Home Hub
If you have purchased a HomePod, it is advisable to set it up with the iCloud account that is also used in the Home application. This immediately makes the HomePod the new HomeKit hub for the home.
When setting up the HomePod, you will notice that all settings for this speaker can be found in the Home app. Open the app â–¸ navigate to the ‘Home’ tab â–¸ Tap the house icon at the top and choose ‘Home settings’. You can then view the status under ‘Housing hubs and bridges’.
Use an iPad as a hub for Home
NB! It has been since iPadOS 16 not more possible to use an iPad as a hub.
If you don’t have an Apple TV or HomePod, but you do have an iPad with iPadOS 15 or older that is always at home, you can also set it up as a hub. To do this you must meet some requirements. For example, the iPad must be connected to the home network (Wi-Fi) that is also used by the HomeKit devices. In addition, you must be logged in on the iPad with the same iCloud account as in the Home app.
If these requirements are met, you can set the iPad as a hub via Settings â–¸ Home â–¸ enable the ‘Use this iPad as a home hub’ option. From that moment on, the iPad becomes the hub and you can operate the Home and set automations outside the home (with another device). Please note that this only works when the iPad is connected to the home network and is therefore not completely switched off.
Can’t find the ‘Home’ option in ‘Settings’? Then force restart the iPad (more information). If this does not help, it is best to log out of iCloud and then log in again (more information).
Set up Apple TV or HomePod as a Matter hub
Do you want to use Matter in your smart home? Then you need a Matter hub. At the moment you can use an Apple TV or HomePod for this. Please note, you must configure a home hub to add Matter accessories to the Home app. You can follow the steps above for this. When you set an Apple TV or HomePod as a ‘HomeKit hub’, it also has immediate access to Matter.
However, you must remember that not all Matter accessories can be used with all Apple TV and HomePod. Thread-enabled accessories require a Thread-enabled home hub, such as HomePod mini, HomePod 2nd Gen, or Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) Wi-Fi + Ethernet, or a supported third-party Border router.