844: Building the Ideal Apple Smart Home

A comprehensive look at the state of Apple Smart Home in 2026. David and Stephen share their setups, cover the latest standards, new devices of interest, helpful automations, and how to get started with Apple Home.

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Credits

The Mac Power Users

Stephen Robles (beard.fm)

David Sparks (macsparky.com)

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Jim Metzendorf (twitter.com/jmetzendorf)

The Fixer

Kerry Provanzano (twitter.com/ciaokerryciao)

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Tour My 100% Apple Smart Home (2026) - YouTube (youtube.com/watch?v=dmQIlIaKLNM)
5 Smart Home Wins…and 3 Big Mistakes - YouTube (youtube.com/watch?v=zzvclZn7cZE)
Get Started with Apple Smart Home in 2025 - YouTube (youtube.com/watch?v=qa2rLLtZgbk)
Obsidian Brew — Bluesky (bsky.app/profile/stuwhitt.bsky.social/post/3mi…)
Aqara Doorbell Camera G400 (amazon.com/dp/B0G52BVRLQ?_encoding=UTF8&ps…)
Aqara UWB Smart Lock U400 (amazon.com/dp/B0FRS6T6HL?_encoding=UTF8&re…)
Govee Floor Lamp 2 (amazon.com/dp/B0CTH2QF23?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
meross Matter Smart Plug Mini (amazon.com/dp/B0CNW635VH?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
Canisteo Automatic Smart Blinds (amazon.com/dp/B0CR68NX78?_encoding=UTF8&re…)
Aqara Smart Thermostat W200 (amazon.com/Aqara-Thermostat-Temperature-Touchs…)
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (amazon.com/dp/B01HHQZHRK?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
ecobee Smart Thermostat (amazon.com/dp/B09XXS48P8?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
Eve Aqua (amazon.com/dp/B0B781WWHG?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
meross WiFi Water Timer for Garden Hose (amazon.com/dp/B0DX6G7MSV?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2 (amazon.com/dp/B0BTL8B72D?_encoding=UTF8&ps…)
Eve Motion (Matter) (amazon.com/dp/B0BZT5W3V5?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
Aqara Water Leak Sensor (amazon.com/dp/B09WQPJBTQ?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
Eve Water Guard (amazon.com/dp/B09TB72Z5N?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro PoE (amazon.com/dp/B0DPX69RWZ?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
TP-Link Tapo 2K QHD Pan/Tilt Camera (amazon.com/dp/B0CHM81YY4?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
Eve Cam (Apple Home) (amazon.com/dp/B0CHJSWYLN?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
ECOVACS DEEBOT X8 PRO OMNI (amazon.com/dp/B0DR8NJMCJ?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
SmartWings Hardwired Motorized Roller Shades (smartwingshome.com/products/smartwings-hardwir…)
ThorBolt X1 Apple Home Key Lock (amazon.com/dp/B0DYJX4776?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
Aqara Smart Doorbell Camera G410 (amazon.com/dp/B0F6CJ93GS?_encoding=UTF8&re…)
ecobee Smart Video Doorbell (amazon.com/dp/B0C424CVZ8?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (amazon.com/dp/B0DDRVVJHQ?_encoding=UTF8&re…)
Aqara 2K Indoor Camera E1 (amazon.com/dp/B0CCHQ38D2?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
meross Smart Garage Door (for Chamberlain) (amazon.com/dp/B0FMXX1W7D?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
meross Smart Garage Door Opener (Older) (amazon.com/dp/B084Z5QZR2?_encoding=UTF8&re…)
Lutron Caseta Smart Fan Speed Control (amazon.com/dp/B07N1GXM38?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
GE Cync Reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Light (amazon.com/dp/B0D4ZMW79F?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K (amazon.com/dp/B0DW5BTSG7?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_…)
meross Smart Table Lamp (amazon.com/dp/B08CKGXVL3?_encoding=UTF8&re…)
Philips Hue Twilight …