Apple Home Hub
An Apple Home hub is the always-on Apple device that runs a HomeKit home when nobody is looking: automations, remote access, and the Thread border router that Matter accessories join. HomePod, HomePod mini, and Apple TV are the only devices that fill the role.
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Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)
The Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) is the reference streaming player for Home Assistant. The local apple_tv integration exposes it as a media_player with push-based playback state, remote navigation, and app launching, so scenes can start a movie, dim the lights on play, and pause the room when the doorbell rings.
HomePod (2nd generation)
The full-size HomePod (2nd generation) is a Siri speaker that doubles as infrastructure: an always-on Apple Home hub and a Thread border router. Home Assistant reaches it over AirPlay through the local apple_tv integration, so it is an announcement and multiroom audio target rather than a fully controllable player.
HomePod mini
The HomePod mini is the cheapest way to put an Apple Home hub and a Thread border router in a room. Home Assistant sees it over AirPlay through the local apple_tv integration as a media_player for announcements and multiroom audio.
Recipes that need this role
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