Why does Homekit Automation require a hub?

[Cloudsurfer]

Can someone explain to me why I need an Apple TV or iPad to automate my Homekit devices from the Home app? 3rd party apps seem to be able to do it without any hub. The Eve app even lets me automate my home despite not having any Eve products in it.

Also, if Apple is so keen on hubs, why can't I use my Mac or an old iPhone as a hub? They're always home too, right?

 

[Eitel]

Can someone explain to me why I need an Apple TV or iPad to automate my Homekit devices from the Home app? 3rd party apps seem to be able to do it without any hub. The Eve app even lets me automate my home despite not having any Eve products in it.

Also, if Apple is so keen on hubs, why can't I use my Mac or an old iPhone as a hub? They're always home too, right?

You only need a hub if you want to control the devices remotely from outside your home. If you don't don't have an Apple TV, an iPad will also do the work of a hub.

 

[gsmornot]

You only need a hub if you want to control the devices remotely from outside your home. If you don't don't have an Apple TV, an iPad will also do the work of a hub.

You need a hub if you want to automate devices via the Apple Home app. The automation option will not become available to you until you turn Home on in the iPad or setup Apple TV4.
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Can someone explain to me why I need an Apple TV or iPad to automate my Homekit devices from the Home app? 3rd party apps seem to be able to do it without any hub. The Eve app even lets me automate my home despite not having any Eve products in it.

Also, if Apple is so keen on hubs, why can't I use my Mac or an old iPhone as a hub? They're always home too, right?

You need a hub simply because that is what Apple decided to go with on the platform. You are correct that individual apps will run automations and give you access to devices. The main advantage of the Home app is everything in one place but as you may have discovered, its still a bit thin in some areas and not 100% reliable. I like Philips 30 minute fade and use it at night. The lights dim over a 30 minute period until they turn off. Home App cannot do that. I use the Philips app to set the color of my lights in the morning when its time to wakeup to the energize color. Home App cannot do that if you're using White Ambiance bulbs. So, I use 3 apps together to make everything happen and mentally track which app is doing what during the day. Ready for HomeKit updates.