Most of your smart home lights are smaller bulbs and outlet adaptors, but the market is maturing to the point where we are seeing full hardwired fixtures that integrate natively with Apple Home (via Matter). SwitchBot just recently released the new SwitchBot RGBICWW ceiling light. It brings incredibly bright illumination and native Matter support directly to your overhead ceiling lights.
HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything to do with Apple’s smart home framework.
The most important detail about this new ceiling light is that it supports Matter right out of the box without the need for a SwitchBot Hub. As long as your Apple TV 4K or HomePod is online, the light connects directly to your existing ecosystem over your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
SwitchBot offers the light in two sizes to accommodate different use cases. The 12-inch model is aimed at hallways and bathrooms and has 2000 lumens. The larger 15-inch model is meant for living rooms and bedrooms and has 3,200 lumens. SwitchBot built-in continuous dimming from 100% to 0%.
Standard smart bulbs usually force you to choose one color at a time. Because the light uses RGBIC technology, it features independent chips that can display multiple colors simultaneously across the ceiling, creating dynamic lighting effects. If you prefer a traditional lighting effect, the light features dedicated warm and cool white LEDs that let you tune the temperature from 2700K to a 6500K. You also get a power-off memory feature, which means the light will retain your exact brightness and color settings if your power blinks. I love this feature, and it’s super frustrating when your power goes out in the middle of the night, and everything turns back on when power resumes
Using a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection means adding another permanent client to your router on a legacy band. A Thread radio would have been my ideal choice for a near-instantaneous response in a mesh network. Getting a hardwired, native Matter light that costs under $50 is an excellent value for anyone looking to permanently upgrade their overhead ceiling lights.
You can buy the new Switchbot RGBICWW from Amazon.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:
HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home…
Bradley has worked at K-12 independent schools for much of the last 20 years, serving as the head of the information technology department and leading classroom technology integration. He’s well-versed in enterprise Wi-Fi, macOS and iOS system management, school technology, and SaaS tools.
Upgrade your home security with wireless cameras that includes HomeKit compatibility.
Abode is the best home security system and includes compatibility with HomeKit.
