FabianIt was the biggest launch in the history of Philips Hue. At the beginning of September, they set off a real fireworks display at the IFA in Berlin, well before New Year’s Eve. That same evening, the people in charge asked me what product I thought was still missing. “No idea,” was my spontaneous answer, after all, they had just presented me with 20 new things.
With a little distance, I came up with a few things that we might still want from Philips Hue. And what better way to end 2025 than to create a little wish list for 2026? Maybe you can think of something too, in which case feel free to leave a comment below this article.
My accessory wishes for Philips Hue for 2026
Finally, a presence detector: The Philips Hue motion detector has been with us for several years now and is a practical thing to have. However, it only detects movement. The smart home world has come a long way since then, and many manufacturers now offer presence detectors. These can also detect when you are simply lying on the sofa reading a book. A Hue presence detector would be a great addition to the portfolio.
Improved Hue wall switch module: This small module has been making classic light switches smart for several years, but there is one recurring criticism. After a few years, the button cell battery needs to be replaced. And that’s despite the fact that power is available in the immediate vicinity in the vast majority of cases. How about a hard-wired Hue wall switch module without batteries? Then you could also control the ceiling lighting, which may not be smart.
More colors for dimmer switches and smart buttons: Philips Hue is a pretty colorful affair. The switches, on the other hand, are more than a little boring. The Hue dimmer switch and the Hue smart button are still only available in white. Why not black as well? Or even in a range of bright colors? That would definitely bring a little more variety into the home.
A Hue Outdoor Smart Plug: We’ve been waiting for a Philips Hue Outdoor Smart Plug for several years. I could well imagine that there are still a few classic string lights or devices such as pond pumps that some of you would like to control via Philips Hue.
And a few wishes for Philips Hue smart lighting
Outdoor classics refreshed: It’s been seven and a half years since the two outdoor classics, Hue Lily and Hue Calla, were launched. Isn’t it about time for an upgrade? A breath of fresh air? In addition, there have been a few problems which could be sorted out, such as condensation in the spotlights and faded base lights.
The forgotten light strip: Philips Hue introduced seven new light strips in September, but one was forgotten. The Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip has not been upgraded. In addition to technical improvements, such as more light zones, longer and shorter light strips for larger and smaller TVs would also be a great thing.
Even more Hue Essential: Philips Hue has scored a real hit with its affordable E27 bulbs and GU10 spotlights. Hopefully, that’s not the end of it. The E12/E14 base is a widely used socket. It’s a perfect candidate for further expanding the Hue Essential series.
I would like to see a smart smoke and co2 detector in there security line up. The device can send notifications, turn on audio/light. Interact with Home Kit.
Camera’s without a subscription are difficult to use, when movement is turned on, it reacts on every movement, mostly due to rain/wind movement. And, you can only select the whole area instead of a selected area. The current price for a second camera is to much in my opinion. I have the doorbell with subscription and would like to add the second camera.
Also, more notifications sound options, different tones. There is now only a ‘I scare you to death’ notification 😉
Able to select a different sound for people detection, animal, movement, cars.. etc.. And this in combination with the status of the ‘home’ or away’ setting. When at home I want a more nice and suttle notification then when away.
Longer recording when there is an event. My Synology records as longer when there is an event.
Hue, stops after 60 sec, wait 10 sec. and starts again. When something happens it would be nice to have a longer recording.
With regards,
Martijn
Hei kaikille!
Kaipaan oikeasti secure yhteensopivaa liiketunnistinta ulkokäyttöön. Kauanko pitää vielä odottaa?
Br Kari
A White dymera!
Bridge Backup or serial number export feature, locally or at least to the cloud.
My long wish would be a mini-bayonet candle bulb so I can replace my parents lighting with hue.
They have led bulbs in their light now from no name manufacturers and they all squeal or buzz when turned on & it’s very annoying.
Nobody does these though so it’s unlikely.
I would like to see a T10 shape in the lineup. It’s the only bulb that keeps me from having a full setup.
Hopefully a 4in version of the slim recessed Downlight. The 6in one came out almost 2 years ago so not sure why it has taken so long
I’d love to see an RGBW series of filament bulbs like the Paulmann LED Corn ST64 E27:
https://uk.paulmann.com/p/230-v-filament-smart-home-zigbee-3.0-led-corn-st64-e27-470lm-6-3w-rgbw-dimmable-gold/29158
I would like to see presence sensors, grow lights, home kit integration added to the doorbell and the cameras. That is the only thing keeping me from purchasing those two items. Also if you are going to have a secure system add a siren and hub or device that can call the police in an emergency.
I would like to see a “bare” Lightguide with a small fitting (E10 or B10). My bare, I mean without the glasss dome. Then I could re-fit my remaining lights which cannot take any of the existing Hue bulbs
Es wäre wichtiger das mal was an der Software gemacht wird.
Da hab ich so einige Ideen:
Überarbeitete Music Synchronisation:
Einmal sollte es im Hintergrund laufen können, und nicht nur mit Spotify kompatibel sein, sondern auch mit YouTube Music und anderen Musik Apps.
Das eigentliche Music Sync sollte man auch mal komplett überarbeiten, vielleicht mit KI Erkennung?
Es ist aktuell jedenfalls nicht besonderes gut.
Verbesserung beim Ambilight:
Das Ambilight sowohl für Fernseher als auch Monitor ist richtig gut. Aber es wäre wünschenswert wenn es eine Option gäbe das, das Licht bei Dunkelheit im Film/Video auch komplett dunkel wird, und nicht weiß anzeigt, so wie es aktuell ist.
Neue Automatisierungen:
Es gibt dort so viele Dinge die fehlen.
Alein schon das man das Licht z.B. per Automatisierung einschaltet, und es nach 3 Minuten wieder ausgeht.
Also mehrere Automatisierungen Hintereinander.
Mehr Effekte:
Zum einen eine größere Anzahl an Effekten, vorallem für Gradient Produkte.
Aber das wichtigere wäre Lampen übergreifende Effekte, die man auch zum einschalten benutzen kann:
z.B. Lauflicht bei dem man die Reihenfolge selbst bestimmen kann.
Oder einfach auch Hochdimmen der Lampen innerhalb von kurzer Zeit.
Mir würde da noch viel mehr einfallen…
I’d like to see Philips Hue grow lighting for plants
This is a really thoughtful and well structured wish list for Philips Hue in 2026. I especially liked your idea about a proper presence detector because it would make automations much smarter and more practical for everyday use. A hard wired wall switch module without batteries is also a brilliant suggestion and would solve a long standing issue many users face. Adding more color options for switches would definitely improve home aesthetics. The outdoor smart plug idea sounds very useful for garden lighting and pumps. Overall your insights feel realistic and user-focused. Great article and I am excited to see what Philips Hue brings next year!
Id love to see their Hue track lighting offering mature with better fittings and come in at a more affordable price point.