FabianSince the launch of the new Hue app two years ago now, there has been one annoyance on iPhone and iPad: there are no more native widgets. The reason for this is the fact that Apple does not offer the homescreen widgets newly introduced with iOS 14 the possibility to perform an action without opening the associated app.
With his app Home Widget for HomeKit (App Store link), French developer Clement Marty proves that with a little creativity there are solutions to this problem. With the small application, practical widgets can be created for the HomeKit devices, scenes and groups for the home screen.
Home Widget opens a practical pop-up for control
Of course, it can also be used to create widgets for Philips Hue, which, as we know, is compatible with HomeKit. And how does Home Widget get around Apple's restriction? Here, too, an app is opened, but in a minimal and customised design. If desired, the app closes again on its own after a few seconds.
Home Widget offers some interesting functions for Philips Hue lamps and of course all other HomeKit lamps. The small buttons in the widgets can be configured in such a way that they simply switch the desired lamps on and off and the pop-up app is closed again immediately. If desired, however, a dimming control or the familiar colour circle can also be opened, where manual adjustment is then possible.
In any case, I find the solution very attractive and if you also use your Philips Hue installation in connection with HomeKit, Home Widget is definitely a great solution for your homescreen and even for the lockscreen.
After downloading Home Widget, a demo version is available for you to try out all the functions. You can give up the limitation to a few widgets and actions per day by purchasing the full version. Home Widget costs 49 cents per month or 4.99 euros per year; alternatively, a permanent licence is available for 11.99 euros.
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So like on Android for many years, but worse? 🙃
…and at high price for something already freely inbuilt 😂