Apple Home vs IKEA Home smart

Apple Home is a free app for controlling smart home accessories across Apple devices. Its Home tab groups accessories into categories such as Lights, Security, and Climate and displays their status. It supports compatible accessories for lighting, security, comfort, and entry, along with Matter, cameras, energy monitoring, and voice assistants. The app can show up to four cameras at once, while guest access can grant time-limited permissions for door locks, garage doors, and alarm systems. Accessories can be added by scanning a code or bringing an iPhone or iPad near them; Apple says they cannot be added to Home on Mac. A HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV can serve as a hub for remote access and automation. Examples include turning on lights at a set time, closing blinds when leaving, or adjusting a fan as temperature rises. Siri can also control accessories. Apple says Home data is stored so it cannot read it, accessories are controlled by Apple devices rather than the cloud, and communications are end-to-end encrypted. The app requires Apple devices and compatible accessories.

IKEA Home smart is a free Android and iOS app for controlling IKEA smart-home products through the app, DIRIGERA hub, remotes, voice assistants or motion sensors. With DIRIGERA, users can manage lighting, blinds, sound, air purifiers, outlets, sensors and accessories. The app places devices in rooms, groups lights, creates scenes and routines, and schedules actions with timers. IKEA says it works with Google Home, Apple Home and Alexa. Matter-enabled IKEA devices can be added through compatible smart-home apps and controlled across platforms. DIRIGERA is recommended for connecting new and older IKEA devices, although Matter devices do not require it; the hub needs Wi-Fi and a router cable. IKEA says basic functions such as switching lights on and off are designed to work without internet or a remote server. Gateway software receives security updates for three years after purchase, while connected smart products receive support for five years.