In modern urban life, we have a lot of smart home appliances that make our life easier and smoother. Whether it's for locking our home or setting automatic alarms, of course, there is an app involved. One such example is Apple Homekit, which lets you control all the compatible devices at once.
In 2014, Apple was one of the first big companies to come up with "centralized smart home devices" in their iOS 8. Back then, Apple had very strict hardware requirements for Home and Homekit Compatibility. As a result, every other manufacturing company had to include an encryption co-processor. Philips’ Hue bridge is Homekit support is one such example.
But those were the things of the past. Recently Apple has relaxed its requirements for other compatible devices such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. In the coming days, the list of devices compatible with Apple's system will be growing.
Smart switches are highly demanding items right now, and many of them are compatible with Apple Homekit. Here, we will learn about Apple Homekit and its automation in detail. Moreover, we will look at the top 5 best Homekit smart switches in 2022. Join us to know more.
What are Apple Homekit and Apple Homekit Automation?
Apple Homekit is a framework that links smart home products together and let you control smart home appliances like lights, camera, thermostat, etc., using apps on your iProducts or Siri voice commands.
You may have already heard about"Internet of Things" and what you can do with it. Well, Homekit is Apple's "Internet of Things" solution where you need Apple products to use, control or monitor your smart home appliances.
Homekit Automation is the feature that you can activate to customize how your smart home appliances will serve. Let us take an example with light. You want your lights to be ON in day time and OFF at night time. You can activate automation by setting the time for the lights to stay ON. So, lights will be ON from 6 PM to 6 AM and will be switched OFF automatically.
Homekit Automation Ideas
From Homekit wall switches to open a garage, you can automate almost anything. Earlier, we brought an example of automating lights in your house. But that is not the only automation you can think of. There is more. Here are 3 more ideas you can try using Homekit Automation.
Opening Garage Door with Siri
All you need is a Homekit-based Garage Door Opener. You have voice control to lock and unlock your garage door. Moreover, you can also get a notification every time someone opens and closes the garage door.
Weather Indicator
You can ask Siri to keep you updated on the weather every hour. This can also be done with an automated Ambient light lamp. The ambient light lamp will change color based on the temperature outside.
Power Strip to Control Table Setup
People who work with computers have so many gadgets and cables on their tables. Usually, they stay ON and eat power, but you can turn them ON or OFF with Siri. All you need is a Homekit-enabled power strip, and after set up, they will turn ON and OFF using a voice command.
Best Smart Switches for Apple Homekit in 2022
You must have heard about Homekit and its automation. The most used connected device for Apple Homekit is Homekit switches. Here we will look into 5 best Smart switches for 2022.
- Evvr HomeKit In-wall Smart Relay Switch
- Lutron Caseta Smart Switch
- Meross Smart Switch
- Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Switch (second-gen)
- Eve Light Switch
Evvr HomeKit In-wall Smart Relay Switch
Evvr Homekit light switch is the best smart switch for Apple Homekit. If you own an iPhone, you can control your lights anytime and from anywhere in the world. The trouble with the connection of neutral wire is eliminated for good. It doesn’t require an additional hub to establish a connection with the light and control. The switch can be controlled with Siri and Home App if you already have Apple Products ( iPhone, iPad, etc.) or Apple Watch, or Apple TV.
Evvr Smart Relay switch is exceptionally small, giving it the versatility to fit in any electrical box to support up to 4-gang panel switches. It can work with other wall switches such as toggle Switches, momentary push buttons, and many more. The existing switches can remain in their place.
The switch is suitable to work with any regular bulb- whether it’s incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, or LED. This means that the switch will work with any voltage input. Moreover, it is also hardware 3-way or 4-way control with no neutral wire needed.
Pros:
- No neutral wire is needed.
- Works with Apple HomeKit
- Exceptionally Small
- All Switches are supported
- Usable for all kinds of bulbs
- Hardwired 3-way or 4-way
Cons:
- Will need iOS 10 or later. iOS versions lower than this will not support this switch.
- For those who own Apple TV, it must be of the 4th generation or later.
Lutron Caseta Smart Switch
It is the simplest Siri-enabled switch you can install. Most suitable for use with ceiling and exhaust fans. Even though it is wired for single pole installation, it can be converted to a three-way switch.
Unlike other switches, a hub is not required, but a neutral wire is required. Lutron smart switches support many household features. This includes geofencing, scheduling, and auto-off timer. You can even use an apple watch for the whole control of the Lutron smart switch.
Pros:
- Supports geofencing, scheduling, and auto-off timers.
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
- Support many smart home ecosystems.
Cons:
- Hub is required. Without it, it will not work.
Meross Smart Switch
This is the easiest to install the smart switch on our list. The wires are clearly marked, making it easier to resolve. This single-pole light switch requires a neutral wire. It responds to Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
Remember, this is a budget build quality smart switch and does not have any two-factor authentication.
Pros:
- Works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
- Comes with helpful wore labels
Cons:
- App lacks two-factor authentication
- Budget build quality
Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Switch (second-gen)
Fourth on our list is the best switch for the position in a house that lacks proper wiring. Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Switch reserve option for a single switch and voice control with Siri, which is compatible with a single pole or three-way installation. Although you will need it to serve wireless, you will still need a neutral wire.
Perhaps, the most astounding feature that gave them all their popularity is their size and shape. It is a slimmer switch. For those who have a crowded switch box already, the Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi switch will just make space for it. The installation process is smooth and easy and will integrate with Apple HomeKit
Although the switch might turn out to be unreliable sometimes. It might not be a very big deal in the long run. Moreover, it doesn’t have two-factor authentication.
Pros:
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri
- Awesome build quality
- Slimmer than other types of switches.
Cons:
- The connection is not always reliable
- Doesn’t have 2-factor authentication.
Eve Light Switch
The last one on our list is the most aesthetic switch among the 5 best switches we talked about today. The switch is exclusively made for Apple Homekit but will also work with the Apple watch.
The switch lack compatibility with Alexa or Google Assistant. So, if you are not a great fan of Apple gadgets or the Apple ecosystem, this just might not be for you.
This is what you will need - a neutral wire, a Home app, and an Eve app( to set schedule, install the firmware, and more). So, if you are a fan of the Apple ecosystem with aesthetic touch, we can not think of a better alternative.
Pros
- Works with Siri
- iCloud will provide 2-factor authentication
- Attractive design with an aesthetic look
Cons
- Will "only" work with Siri. The switch is not compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant.
Bottom Line
Our life has never been easier, smoother, and, most importantly, technologically dependent today than at any moment in history. We got smart cars, smarter computers, and we also got smart switches. Things like smart switches make our everyday life smoother and better.
Our personal favorite is the Evvr HomeKit In-wall Smart Relay Switch. Its versatility to fit any electrical box is one of a kind feature. No additional hub, and the neutral wire is a bonus for any enthusiastic gadget consumer. Moreover, you can use it for any kind of bulb, be that halogen, LED, or fluorescent.
Whatever you do, make sure your gadget is an asset, not a liability. That is our goal here. In our guide, we have talked about Apple Homekit and Apple Homekit automation.
Moreover, we presented the Best smart switches for Apple HomeKit in 2022. So, next time you are out looking for a smart switch, you know what to look for.
Evvr can offer you a comprehensive smart home solution whether you are an integrator, professional installer, distributor, or DIYer. Get in touch with us and book a product today!
