Mac Power Users 844: Building the Ideal Apple Smart Home
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Apr 12, 2026 A lively tour of Apple smart homes in 2026, from Matter and Thread to cameras, doorbells, locks, garage doors, and robot vacuums. There’s plenty on sensors, scenes, and automations that quietly tame everyday annoyances. It also explores why smart switches often beat bulbs, plus fun extras like synced lighting and programmable buttons.
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Buy Smart Locks With Home Key
- For door locks, prioritize Apple Home Key, Thread, and multiple entry methods like fingerprint or keypad for family use.
- Stephen Hackett recommended Aqara’s U400 for ultra wideband proximity unlock and ThorBolt or Schlage for cheaper Home Key options.
Ultra Wideband Fixes Proximity Unlocking
- Ultra wideband solves a key weakness in Bluetooth proximity locks by knowing which side of the door you are on.
- Stephen Hackett said Level Lock could unlock when you merely walked by inside, while Aqara’s UWB lock stayed locked from the interior side.
Use Meross To Bring Garage Doors Into Home
- Use a Meross garage door opener if you want Apple Home control, especially with CarPlay access near home.
- Stephen Hackett said newer Chamberlain and LiftMaster motors fight third-party integrations, but Meross now sells a model designed to work around that.