HomeKit Do I need a physical homepod?

[lyphe416]

Hi all,

I've come across conflicting information when trying to figure out if I need a Homepod to use Homekit.
Here is my situation:

• Looking to use Homekit & Siri voice.
• I have an iPhone.
• I have a Mac.
• We have a new iPad.
• Devices are Sonos, Samsung TVs, and Lutron.
• All devices are on the same wifi.

In reading, it sounds like I eitiher need a homepod or Apple TV ... although a couple of sites say that I don't need either of those if everything is on the same wifi network. I'm guessing maybe I can set up and control everything from my phone or Mac, if they are all linked by wifi?

Any direction appreciated and cheers!

 

[fin1]

Your ipad can be setup as the hub. Here are the apple devices that can be used as a homekit hub.

Set up your HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV, or iPad as a home hub - Apple Support

You need a home hub to control your HomeKit and Matter accessories while you're away from home, share control of your accessories with others, and automate your accessories to do what you want, when you want.

support.apple.com

 

[lyphe416]

Your ipad can be setup as the hub. Here are the apple devices that can be used as a homekit hub.

Set up your HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV, or iPad as a home hub - Apple Support

You need a home hub to control your HomeKit and Matter accessories while you're away from home, share control of your accessories with others, and automate your accessories to do what you want, when you want.

support.apple.com

Thought I'd read that iPad wasn't usable anymore for traditional setups?

 

[BrentC]

Thought I'd read that iPad wasn't usable anymore for traditional setups?

As per the link fin1 supplied:

iPad is not supported as a home hub on the new, more reliable, and more efficient Home architecture, which will be available as a separate upgrade in the Home app.

 

[Itinj24]

Hi all,

I've come across conflicting information when trying to figure out if I need a Homepod to use Homekit.
Here is my situation:

• Looking to use Homekit & Siri voice.
• I have an iPhone.
• I have a Mac.
• We have a new iPad.
• Devices are Sonos, Samsung TVs, and Lutron.
• All devices are on the same wifi.

In reading, it sounds like I eitiher need a homepod or Apple TV ... although a couple of sites say that I don't need either of those if everything is on the same wifi network. I'm guessing maybe I can set up and control everything from my phone or Mac, if they are all linked by wifi?

Any direction appreciated and cheers!

The home hub (HomePod, AppleTV and maybe iPad?) is required for automations, out of home control of your devices, inviting members. I believe HomeKit Secure Video also requires a Home Hub but don’t quote me on this. From what I understand, the recordings are analyzed and processed by the hub.

You can still run HomeKit without a hub but you lose the functions mentioned above.