Smart home systems are more accessible than ever. With devices like watches, smart phones and iPads now having built in apps for home tech, the management of your security systems, lighting and technology has never been easier.
With this in mind, how can you use your phone or iPad as your home hub? Let’s continue reading to learn more！
Why Do You Need a Home Hub in 2025?
Home hub is an indispensable part of maximizing the benefits of your smart home. With home hub, you can realize more automation scenarios and enjoy a smarter and safer life. Here are key reasons why:
Remote Access
Whether you’re adjusting the thermostat and turning on the lights on your way home or checking if the doors are locked before bed, a hub ensures you remain in control at all times, no matter where you are.
Automation
You can program your lights to turn on at sunset, have your thermostat adjust automatically when you leave home, or set your coffee machine to start brewing before you wake up.
Automations create a seamless and comfortable home environment that’s perfectly tailored to your lifestyle.
Connectivity
A hub ensures that all of your devices communicate efficiently.
This is particularly beneficial when using products from different manufacturers, as the hub acts as a bridge.
Security
You can receive real-time alerts about unexpected events, you can check in on cameras if you’re out of the house, and you can even see who is in the house. A hub gives you a full picture of your security system.
Energy Efficiency
Smart thermostats can adjust temperatures when a room is unoccupied, while smart lighting systems can turn off lights automatically when no one is home.
These small adjustments contribute to lower energy bills and a more environmentally friendly home.
Can an iPad Be Used as a Home Hub in 2025?
No, it’s not possible to use iPads as Home Hubs in 2025. Apple has discontinued support for iPad Home Hub setup, meaning they can no longer provide remote access, automation management outside of ‘Shortcuts’, or serve as a bridge for HomeKit devices.
iPads that have not yet been updated to newer software may still function but it’s always recommended to keep smart home systems up to date for security patches and bug fixes.
If you previously used an iPad as a home hub, you will need to transition to an Apple TV (4th generation or later), a HomePod, or a dedicated smart hub like the Aqara Hub for continued smart home control.
How to Transition from an iPad to a New Home Hub
If you've been using an iPad as a Home Hub, transitioning to a new hub is essential for maintaining smart home functionality and ensuring that your system remains secure.
Here are a few steps you can take to keep your smart home running smoothly.
1. Check Your Smart Home Devices – Ensure that your current smart devices are compatible with the new hub you choose (Apple TV, HomePod, or an Aqara Hub). Many hubs will be cross-compatible whilst others may be more limiting. Check this before you choose and make sure you understand what systems you’re running if they are different makes/brands.
2. Back Up HomeKit Settings – Save your automations and configurations to avoid losing custom settings. You may need to input new schedules into the system but it’s useful to have a record of what you had and what you’ll need so that you don’t miss any devices or leave gaps in your security system.
3. Reset Your iPad’s Home Hub Role – Remove the iPad from the HomeKit setup to prevent conflicts. Two hubs running simultaneously can cause problems for your smart home system.
4. Test Your Devices – Thoroughly test all smart home accessories to check that they work as expected. Also test any lesser used features like alarms or alerts to check that everything is running smoothly.
Smart Hub Recommendations
While you won’t be able to rely on your iPad smart home hub in 2025, there are plenty of alternatives that you can turn to.
Aqara Hub M3
The newest model of the Aqara Hub M3 has plenty to offer.
● It supports Matter, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread, offering future-proof smart home integration and seamless connectivity across all of your devices.
● The M3 is a centralized solution if you’re already using M2 hubs in your home. It’s able to manage the load of the other hubs in your home for easy management with minimal strain. This also means minimal disruption when upgrading to the Hub M3.
● Dual-band Wi-Fi with WPA3 security, PoE support and a USB-C for alternative power connections.
● It has no microphones or cameras for your own peace of mind.
● It offers a built in IR controller with feedback and learning capabilities for status updates and new AC integration.
Aqara Hub M2
The Aqara Smart Hub M2 is the perfect bridge for your smart home.
● It offers Zigbee 3.0 Support, up to 128 devices.
● Compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home and IFTTT.
● It has a wired connection via Ethernet RJ-45 for extra stability and lower response time to keep your systems running smoothly.
● It has a built-in speaker for reliable alerts and alarms.
Aqara Hub M1S Gen 2
The latest version of the M1S Gen 2 also has some exciting compatibility features.
● It features Zigbee 3.0 support to ensure you can connect the latest, most exciting Aqara smart home devices.
● It has a useful built-in speaker for alerts, notifications and automated actions like alarms.
● It supports all 4 HomeKit alarm modes.
● It houses a 2c2 MIMO Wi-Fi antenna for better connection with all of your home devices.
Aqara Hub E1
This tiny USB hub is a game-changer for those who need a compact but powerful solution.
● It’s powered by USB-A for convenience and compatibility with power banks, powerstrips and even your router.
● It features Zigbee 3.0 support and is compatible with most popular home ecosystems and voice assistants.
● It’s portable and has a 210 degree adjustable shaft for maximum convenience.
Aqara Camera Hub G3
This powerful camera hub cares for your home and keeps it running smoothly.
● The Camera Hub G3 is capable of recognising faces, gestures and pets locally for notifications and automations.
● It has high-resolution image quality (2K).
● The G3 has a 360 degree viewing angle so that you can check in from anywhere without any blind spots.
● It’s compatible with popular ecosystems including AppleHome, Alexa, Google Home and IFTTT.
Aqara Camera Hub G2H Pro
The Hub G2H Pro is a flexible hub camera that has plenty to offer.
● It’s compatible with popular smart home systems including AppleHome, Alexa, Google Home and IFTTT.
● It has high-resolution image quality (1080p).
● The G2H Pro allows HomeKit Enabled 2-way audio so that you can communicate with your family even when you’re away.
● It has IR Night Vision with Invisible LEDs to avoid an annoying glow that could disturb your sleep during the night.
Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro
The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is Aqara’s first outdoor smart hub.
● It has premium full color night vision for added security.
● The G5 has lP65 water and dust protection, it retains full functionality even in extremely cold environments (-30°C/-22°F) to protect your home all year.
● It has a number of installation methods for flexibility and convenience.
● The G5's Al recognizes faces, vehicles, people, and animals as they come into view for added convenience and stranger recognition.
What to Look for When Choosing a Smart Home Hub
Different homes will require different hubs to function efficiently. Not all devices and hubs will be compatible.
Here are a few things you need to look for when choosing which home setup is best for you.
Compatibility. If you already have smart home devices, whether Apple, Alexa or Aqara, you’ll need to make sure that the hub you choose is compatible. Carefully check the specs of the model to ensure it works with all of your devices. Things like the Hub M2 will be compatible with most operating systems and can be considered a good choice for your smart home.
Security Features. Some home hubs will have additional security features for your own peace of mind. End-to-end encryption and an absence of microphones and cameras are just a couple of options.
Automation Capabilities. One of the biggest benefits you’ll find with a smart home is the ability to automate routines to suit your lifestyle. Your hub should help to make this process seamless.
Integration with Voice Assistants. Alexa, Siri and Google are just a few familiar voice assistants. Compatibility with these can make it even easier to manage your smart home without manual programming.
Future-Proofing. Smart home technology is constantly changing. Try to choose hubs that support new smart home standards like Matter. This will help you to ensure that your systems will keep up with technological advancements.
Smart Home Security Risks and How a Hub Helps
While smart homes offer convenience, they can also have vulnerabilities. Having up to date firmware and a robust setup can help you to alleviate many of these risks.
Weak passwords and outdated software are perhaps the biggest vulnerability seen in most systems. You should treat your smart home as you might a more traditional security system and keep it well-maintained and in good working order.
A dedicated smart home hub can help to keep your systems strong by providing updates and notifications, alerting you to any unusual activity and giving you a local alternative to cloud storage for your data.
Many home hubs will also use end-to-end encryption and two-factor authorization (2FA) to keep your systems secure.
Common Mistakes When Setting Up a Smart Home Hub
When installing your smart home hub, make sure you’re carefully following the setup guide or instructional video.
Incorrect installation can make systems frustrating to use and even leave major weaknesses in your home security system.
Avoid these common mistakes when installing a smart home hub.
● Placing the Hub in a Poor Location. Position the hub centrally for better connectivity to all of your devices.
● Not Securing the Network. Use strong passwords and choose secure devices so that you don’t expose any unnecessary vulnerabilities.
● Ignoring Firmware Updates. Regularly update the hub and devices to patch security vulnerabilities.
● Overloading the Hub with Too Many Devices. Ensure the hub can handle multiple connections without lag for a smooth and convenient experience.
● Failing to Test Automations. Always test automations to confirm they work as expected. Include emergency scenarios in your testing.
Conclusion: An Alternative To Your iPad
While an iPad as a home hub was once a great option, in 2025 there are bigger and better hubs available to help you manage your smart home.
To ensure a more reliable, secure, and future-proof smart home experience, we recommend using Aqara smart hubs for seamless automation and device integration.
Whether you're looking for Matter compatibility, advanced security, or compact solutions, Aqara offers a hub for every need.
