Signify appears to be on the verge of introducing a Philips Hue video doorbell, following a recent discovery within the company’s iOS app. The Philips Hue product lineup has long been known for its extensive range of smart home devices, primarily focusing on lighting and security cameras. However, while the collection already includes imaging-related security solutions, it currently lacks a dedicated video doorbell. That could soon change, as hints about the new device have surfaced, suggesting a potential launch in the near future.
The leak was first reported by HueBlog, which uncovered an intriguing update to the Hue app for iOS. In March, a new option appeared allowing users to register devices via QR code, alongside a manual registration method for hardware that lacks a QR code. It was this latter method that exposed the presence of the yet-to-be-announced Hue secure doorbell. When attempting to add the device without scanning a QR code, the app prompts users to physically install the doorbell before proceeding. However, continuing past this point triggers a notification stating that the doorbell cannot be detected due to insufficient power, reinforcing its existence within the system.
It is highly probable that the new doorbell will feature video functionality, as its setup process requires both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Although the specific technical details remain unknown, it is expected that the device will align with the existing Philips Hue Secure Camera lineup, which currently supports video resolutions of up to 1080p. Given the advanced features already present in the Hue security cameras, users can anticipate two-way communication, smart notifications, and end-to-end encryption for added security.
When a new device starts appearing within an app’s interface, it typically signals that its release is imminent or that it is undergoing final testing before an official launch. According to reports, industry insiders anticipate that the Philips Hue video doorbell could make its debut sometime in the fall, though an exact release date remains uncertain.
Despite its integration with the Hue ecosystem, there may be a drawback for those invested in Apple’s smart home platform. The doorbell, much like the existing Philips Hue Secure Cameras, is unlikely to support Apple HomeKit or HomeKit Secure Video. While it will connect securely to the Hue app with encryption, it probably won’t be compatible with Apple’s native smart home framework.
Philips Hue has, however, embraced the Matter smart home standard, which aims to improve cross-platform compatibility among various smart home devices. Though Matter currently covers a wide range of hardware, its support for security cameras and video-enabled doorbells is still relatively limited. Until Matter expands its capabilities, users hoping for seamless integration with HomeKit Secure Video may have to wait for future updates to the standard.