Also can anyone recommend other white bulbs that are not as expensive but connect to HomeKit.
As always, thanks!
Can Philip’s Hue bulbs connect directly with Apple HomeKit, without the Philip’s Bridge? I’ve been searching Philips website and it certainly isn’t clear (or I’ve missed it).
Google is your friend
https://www.philips-hue.com/en-us/ex.../apple-homekit
edit: apologies, now i realized you want to do it without the bridge. I have no clue if this is possible at all, but as basel mentioned below, it's a insignificant investment overall and don't see why you shouldn't get one. I am on android and have the whole apartment set up with Hue with one bridge in the shoe room where it's completely invisible and just works
Sorry, cannot answer original question, but when using hue bridge all the lights do show in home kit.
If you have a Swisscom connection and its app, philips hue lights and bulbs can also be controlled , but you would still need the bridge.
I'm super happy with bridge , there was initial investment but then it works flawlessly after setting up.
Apple's website lists all vendor it supports : https://www.apple.com/ios/home/acces...#section-light
Google is nobody’s friend.
So the answer is Yes a expensive bridge is required.
So, what other bulbs?
Why don't you get one of the "starter" packs which includes a few bulbs, the bridge and the control? Then you can expand if you wish
You generally need a bridge, unless you have a device with a Zigbee hub, like an Echo 4.
Alternatively, you can go for the Hue lights with bluetooth.
You need a bridge/hub/gateway of some sort which uses both the zigbee radio protocol and is compatible with Apple Homekit.
The bridge allows Apple devices to communicate with it by wifi and zigbee devices to communicate with the bridge.
Aqara sell one for 24 CHF from Ali express.
The Ikea hub , 30 CHF also works with Apple Homekit.
I think there's a plan to get the LIDL smart gateway to work with Apple Home kit too but not yet.
Lidl smart home bulbs work with the Philips hub, Ikea hub and the Ikea bulbs.
Considering the price of the bulbs themselves, the bridge is just another overpriced item.
If you really want those bulbs, just buy the bridge. I guess you can get those used on Ricardo to save some money - the bridge will likely be technically obsolete before it will stop working.
I'm not sure the older bridges support Apple Homekit.
In the grand scheme of things, and compared with the hundreds people spend on smart phones, laptops and other technology, especially the high-priced Apple stuff, 30 CHF for a bridge is hardly excessive and not really what I would call "over-priced".
If you only need white bulbs I would check out the ikea set, you could save some bucks.
The bridge is actually a good thing because it means the network runs on zigbee, it makes the overall system very reliable and resistant to internet problems. I'm not convinced by wi-fi lights yet even though there are some very cheap ones on the market now (wiz).
One other option would be using "Conbee II" and some software to create your own hub. Keywords would be "Homebridge", "deCONZ", "Phoscon". It will also cost you a bit, but should work with various zigbee devices, irrespective of the manufacturer.
I am currently trying to integrate a radiator thermostat from Danfoss without buying yet another proprietary gateway, but it's still a work in progress and I've had some issues.
If you prefer a simple solution though - the hue bridge you just plug in and it works. Sometimes you can find a kit on sale, I did it that way. It integrates into homekit so well that you can even ditch the app