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7 must have Apple Home devices for your smart home in 2026

Apple Home Authority

82,628 views

If you are just getting started with Apple Home, it is easy to waste money on the wrong smart home products.

In this video, I break down the 7 Apple Home categories you should actually buy first, based on 10 years of real-world use and 6 years reviewing devices. No hype, no paid opinions, just what genuinely works day to day.

From Apple TV as your smart home hub, to smart locks, lighting, and robot vacuums… these are the products that actually make a difference.

And just to be clear… this video is not sponsored. Everything here is based on real experience, not what brands want you to hear.

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🏪Store Links
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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through any of the Amazon links below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue creating content for the channel. Thank you!

Aqara G400 - https://geni.us/aqarag400
Aqara - U400 - https://geni.us/AqaraU400US
Apple TV - https://geni.us/Appletv4kHA
Nanoleaf lines - https://geni.us/Nanoleaflines
Nanoleaf Strings - https://geni.us/Nanoleafstringamericas
Aqara U200 - https://geni.us/U200aqara
EcoVacs - https://geni.us/ecovacsx

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🎥 Featured Videos
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Aqara U400 - Aqara G400 Review: Almost the Perfect Appl...
Aqara U200 - Aqara U200 review - After 6 months of test...
Aqara G400 - Aqara U200 review - After 6 months of test...
Nanoleaf Lines - Nanoleaf Lines Review - Apple Home enabled...
Nanoleaf Elements - Nanoleaf Elements Review - Apple HomeKit a...
Nanoleaf Strings - Nanoleaf Smart Outdoor String Lights revie...
Twinkly Strings - Twinkly Strings Review - HomeKit meets Chr...
Eve Energy - Eve Energy Review - Find out why This Home...
IKEA GRILLPLATS - IKEA GRILLPLATS Review - Is this the BEST ...

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🌐 FOLLOW APPLE HOME
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Instagram: Instagram: helloapplehome
TikTok: TikTok: helloapplehome
X: https://x.com/helloapplehome
Facebook: Facebook: helloapplehome
Website: https://www.applehomeauthority.com

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⏱️ CHAPTERS
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0:00 intro
102 Apple TV
2:46 plugs
3:36 smart lighting
4:25 smart locks
5:24 doorbells
6:01 robot vacuums
6:54 climate control

#HomeKit #Apple #Applehome #Smarthome

19 Comments

@paulmaine 6 months ago

IKEA plugs and bulbs with matter etc for me, and of coarse Apple TV 👍😁

@blue4k-XLR 6 months ago

What about Elephant in the room?

@serh9963 6 months ago

Yes, that’s correct. But there’s a problem with smart bulbs for the average user: they need to always be online, meaning they must always have power. Since most homes use standard wiring with physical light switches, this creates inconvenience.

That’s why you need to install a smart relay behind the switch and logically keep constant power to the bulbs, controlling them through automation—but that’s already something for people who know how to set it up.

@raidensix 6 months ago

Still waiting for Homekit-compatible floodlight with camera and porch light with camera.

@Tugennov 6 months ago

Water leak sensors would be one of my top recommendations. They aren’t exciting, but they are great and cheap insurance. If you have a stable Thread network (I don’t) I recommend the IKEA Matter/Thread sensors. For Zigbee, I recommend ThirdReality sensors. Thanks for the video. Cheers.

@weeragardens 6 months ago

Great program. Just wanted to check what band of shapes lights are above the TV. Any recommendation for shapes lights?

@lorenipsum93 6 months ago

I'd have an apple TV if you didn't have to jump through all the hoops to get Kodi on it.

@penningtonsm 6 months ago

Really wish Apple would revamp their remote. Qwerty keyboard and the scroll just takes off endlessly all the time. It’s the only reason I still have an android box.

@kingsleymichel 6 months ago

I would highly recommend getting unifi first

@PeeeKaay 4 months ago

If U already have home automation going & haven't added these yet,
it's the next level of home automations, & that's "Motion Sensors" !!!!
Don't get cheap ones, get quality ones like Eve or Aquara, they're worth it !!

If you're starting out & wanting to get into home automations, it will get addictive!
Like most guys, we love tech, so when U start buying, you'll want more, later! ;-)

I started with Google & Alexa, it works-ish, but "needs" the internet, to work!
I'm now on Apple Homekit & OMG, it's completely different, no internet needed.
Your Internet goes down, so does your Google & Alexa controlled devices!
If the Internet goes down with Apple HomeKit, it doesn't care, it keeps working, locally!

@stevelloyd897 6 months ago

Have you found a solution for millivolt (gas fireplace) thermostats without having to bring in external power? With the low power consumption of threads it seems like a battery operated smart thermostat might be feasible

@DanielRayKinney 6 months ago

Hi. What light is on that lantern on the left of the tv on the floor in the corner ? Its bright white ? Can you please tell me where i can buy that light please New subscriber. Is it battery or plug in ??? Great video

@JB-ZR1 5 months ago

What’s the best way to follow good security practices like segmenting iOT devices on their own WiFi separate from the main WiFi while still being able to use the HomeKit devices from your iPhone that’s on your main WiFi network?

@MOU78423 4 months ago

Is the U400 compatible with multi lock doors in the UK?

@GfussRyan 6 months ago

Hi, what setting I should use to have the video card showing up on my wife phone in apple home, I see the cards on my phone but not hers. On my iPhone I can see my cameras live but not on her iPhone. The light switches are there but video cards are not