Updated January 28, 2026 at 2:00PM EST
Philips Hue Secure cameras and the Hue Secure video doorbell are finally getting Apple Home support in Q1 2026. This update brings live video streaming to the Apple Home app on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, plus picture-in-picture viewing on Apple TV when someone rings your doorbell. The integration also extends to Hue Secure contact sensors, which will send real-time notifications through Apple Home when doors or windows open.
Key Takeaways
- Philips Hue Secure cameras, video doorbell, and contact sensors gain Apple Home support in Q1 2026
- View live camera feeds directly in the Apple Home app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Doorbell visitors appear in picture-in-picture mode on Apple TV during streaming
- Contact sensor status changes trigger instant Apple Home notifications
- The update connects Hue security devices to your existing Apple Home automations
- Existing Hue Secure hardware receives the update via firmware, no new purchases required
At-A-Glance: Hue Secure Apple Home Integration
The following table summarizes the key features coming to Philips Hue Secure devices with the Apple Home update.
| Feature | Hue Secure Camera | Hue Video Doorbell | Hue Contact Sensor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Home Live View | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Apple TV Picture-in-Picture | No | Yes | N/A |
| Apple Home Notifications | Motion alerts | Ring + motion alerts | Open/close alerts |
| HomeKit Secure Video | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | N/A |
Why This Update Matters for Apple Users
Philips Hue launched its Secure camera line over two years ago, but Apple Home support was notably absent. The company initially focused on Amazon Alexa and Google Home integrations, promising Apple users that HomeKit would come "once Matter supports cameras." That wait stretched longer than anyone expected.
Signify, the company behind Philips Hue, announced at CES 2026 that the wired Hue Secure camera, Hue Secure video doorbell, and Hue Secure contact sensors will integrate with Apple Home by the end of Q1 2026. This means if you already own these devices or have been holding off on purchasing them, the Apple integration is finally confirmed with a concrete timeline.
The practical benefit is straightforward: you can now view your Hue camera feeds alongside your other HomeKit cameras in a single app. No more jumping between the Hue app and Apple Home to check different parts of your house.
Affiliate disclosure: some links in this article are Amazon Associate links. If you buy through them, Zone of Mac may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and we only recommend products that genuinely bring value to your Apple setup.
What the Integration Actually Includes
The Apple Home integration delivers several specific capabilities. Live video streaming lets you tap any Hue Secure camera in the Apple Home app and see real-time footage, just as you would with a native HomeKit camera. The resolution matches what the camera captures: 1080p for standard models and 2K for the upgraded wired camera and doorbell.
The video doorbell gets a particularly useful feature. When someone presses the doorbell button, Apple TV displays the camera feed in picture-in-picture mode while you continue watching content. This works during Netflix sessions, Apple TV+ shows, or any other streaming, so you see who is at the door without interrupting your viewing.
Contact sensors gain notification support through Apple Home. When a monitored door or window opens, Apple Home sends an alert to your devices. You can also incorporate these sensors into HomeKit automations, turning on lights when a door opens or triggering scenes based on sensor states.
One significant detail remains unclear: Signify has not confirmed whether the cameras will support HomeKit Secure Video. This feature enables encrypted video storage in iCloud and location-based recording automations. Standard Apple Home support provides live viewing and basic notifications, while HomeKit Secure Video adds cloud recording tied to your iCloud+ subscription. The distinction matters for users who want video history without paying for a separate Hue Secure subscription.
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The Hue Secure Wired Camera for Apple Home Users
The Hue Secure wired camera offers 1080p video with infrared night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection. What sets it apart from generic HomeKit cameras is its deep integration with Hue lights. When the camera detects motion, your Hue bulbs can automatically turn on, adding visibility and potentially deterring intruders. This light-and-camera coordination happens locally through the Hue Bridge, resulting in faster response times than cloud-dependent systems.
The camera uses a simple plug-and-play installation with a USB power cable, avoiding the need for hardwired electrical work. You can mount it indoors or outdoors thanks to its weather-resistant design. The free 24-hour video history stores motion-triggered clips without a subscription, though longer storage requires a Hue Secure plan.
For Apple users building a cohesive smart home, the Hue Secure camera eliminates the friction of managing separate ecosystems. Your existing Hue light automations, motion sensors, and switches all work together with the camera through one app, and now Apple Home provides a second unified view of everything.
Here's where to get the Philips Hue Secure Wired Camera https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLBLFBNY?tag=zoneofmac-20
The Hue Secure Video Doorbell Brings 2K to Apple TV
The Hue Secure video doorbell captures 2K resolution with a 180-degree field of view, covering head-to-toe visibility of anyone at your door. Starlight technology enhances low-light performance, delivering color video even in near-darkness conditions. The built-in speaker and microphone enable two-way conversations with visitors directly through the Hue app, and soon through Apple Home as well.
The doorbell requires existing low-voltage wiring (12-24V AC), which most homes with traditional doorbells already have. Installation replaces your existing doorbell button, connecting to the same transformer. A separate Smart Chime plugs into any outlet and provides customizable audio alerts throughout your home when someone rings.
The Apple TV picture-in-picture feature makes this doorbell particularly valuable for households that stream frequently. Instead of pulling out your phone when the doorbell rings, the video appears automatically on your television while your show continues playing. The response time is nearly instant because the doorbell communicates over Zigbee to the Hue Bridge rather than relying solely on cloud connectivity.
For those who want to link security notifications with their broader HomeKit setup, this opens real possibilities. You could create an automation that pauses playback, brightens specific lights, and shows the doorbell feed when someone arrives. Here's where you can buy the Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP44Y4FB?tag=zoneofmac-20
Contact Sensors Complete the Security Setup
The Hue Secure contact sensors monitor doors, windows, cabinets, and safes, sending alerts when they open or close. Each sensor uses a CR2 battery rated for approximately two years of use. The compact design measures about 2.75 inches tall and attaches with adhesive backing or optional screws.
With Apple Home integration, these sensors become part of your broader HomeKit automation library. You can trigger scenes when the front door opens, flash lights throughout the house if a window opens while you are away, or simply receive notifications without opening the Hue app. The sensors communicate via Zigbee to the Hue Bridge, so they work even when your internet connection is down, as long as your iPhone is on the same local network.
The two-pack offers better value for covering multiple entry points. Many users place one on the front door and another on a back door or garage entry. Combined with the Hue camera and doorbell, these sensors round out a complete perimeter monitoring setup that now speaks Apple's language. You can find the Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensor 2-Pack here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLBD4272?tag=zoneofmac-20
Accessibility and Clarity
The Philips Hue Secure lineup performs reasonably well for users with visual or physical limitations, though some gaps exist. The Hue app supports VoiceOver on iOS, allowing screen reader users to navigate camera feeds and settings. Live view thumbnails include alt-text labels, and notification alerts can be configured with both audible and haptic feedback.
Physical installation presents some challenges. The doorbell requires connecting low-voltage wires to terminal screws, a task that demands visual precision and fine motor control. The contact sensors offer easier installation with peel-and-stick adhesive, though aligning the magnetic component correctly requires careful positioning.
Apple Home integration improves the experience for accessibility-focused users. The Apple Home app provides consistent VoiceOver support across all HomeKit devices, and Siri voice commands work with any HomeKit-compatible camera. Saying "Show me the front door camera" triggers the live feed without navigating menus. For users who rely on voice control or screen readers, consolidating Hue Secure devices into Apple Home reduces the cognitive load of managing multiple apps.
The picture-in-picture doorbell feature on Apple TV benefits users with mobility limitations who may not reach their phone quickly when the doorbell rings. The video appears automatically on the television, eliminating the need to locate and unlock a device.
Preparing for the Q1 2026 Update
If you already own Hue Secure devices, no hardware changes are required. The Apple Home integration arrives as a firmware update pushed through the Hue app. Make sure your Hue Bridge is running the latest firmware, and keep the Hue app updated on your iPhone.
For those considering new purchases, buying now means your devices will be ready when the update lands. The Hue ecosystem rewards early adoption because automations, light-camera coordination, and sensor integrations work immediately. Apple Home support simply adds another layer of control without removing any existing functionality.
The update positions Philips Hue Secure as a compelling option for Apple households that want security cameras integrated with their smart lighting. Rather than running parallel systems that never quite talk to each other, you get a unified setup controlled from the app you already use for lights, locks, thermostats, and everything else in your Apple Home.
Tori Branch
Hardware reviewer at Zone of Mac with nearly two decades of hands-on Apple experience dating back to the original Mac OS X. Guides include exact settings paths, firmware versions, and friction observations from extended daily testing.




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