AllYouCanTech

### The Significance of Physical Controls in a Smart Home

In the age of smart homes, automation is frequently praised for its ease and effectiveness. Nevertheless, there remains a crucial necessity for physical controls that enable users to engage with their devices without depending solely on voice commands or mobile applications. This article examines the importance of physical buttons in smart home configurations, with emphasis on the Flic Hub LR and the Flic Duo as useful solutions for managing Apple Home scenes and devices.

#### Why Physical Buttons Remain Relevant

Although voice control provides a hands-free experience, it is not always the most pragmatic option. For example, when departing home, numerous users prefer to simply press a button to trigger their “Goodbye” scene, ensuring that doors are secured and lights are turned off without needing verbal interaction with a virtual assistant. This inclination for physical controls is notably significant for visitors or family members who might not be acquainted with the smart home setup. A simple button can eliminate the requirement for app installations and complex instructions.

Furthermore, physical buttons offer speed and ease. Navigating through a smartphone interface can be cumbersome, particularly when immediate actions are required. Having a button easily accessible on a coffee table or nightstand allows for prompt control over lights and other devices, enhancing the overall smart home experience.

#### What You Need to Begin

To employ Flic buttons in your smart home, you require a bridge to connect them to your Wi-Fi network and incorporate them into Apple HomeKit. The Flic Hub LR is the suggested option for HomeKit users, as it officially supports Apple’s smart home framework. This hub utilizes Bluetooth 5.1 LE for long-range connectivity, enabling it to manage up to 63 buttons, making it ideal for larger residences. Additionally, it includes a 3.5mm port for an optional IR blaster, allowing control of older devices.

#### Utilizing the Flic Duo

The Flic Duo signifies an inventive addition to the Flic range, merging the simplicity of a button with sophisticated gesture controls. When affixed to a wall, it operates as a conventional smart switch, making it intuitive for guests. When held in hand, it activates gesture controls such as swiping and tilting, which can modify volume or skip tracks.

However, users should be aware that Apple’s HomeKit framework has restrictions regarding complex gestures. While the Flic app can take advantage of these features for other platforms, HomeKit integration is mainly constrained to basic actions like single, double, and long presses. A notable feature of the Flic Duo is its built-in speaker, which assists users in locating the device easily if it gets lost.

#### Conclusion

The Flic Duo and Flic Hub LR offer outstanding choices for those in search of physical access controls within their smart home environments. While the Flic Duo presents cutting-edge features, users focused exclusively on HomeKit may also consider the more straightforward Smart Button from Flic. Overall, these devices enhance the smart home experience by delivering intuitive and immediate control over lighting and other scenes, thus making them valuable additions to any automated home arrangement.

– You can purchase the Flic Hub LR from [Amazon](https://amzn.to/49dF9D7).
– You can buy the Flic Duo from [Flic](https://flic.io/duo).
– You can acquire the Smart Button in a 3-pack from [Amazon](https://amzn.to/48DBi24).

# 9to5Mac Forums: A Fresh Community Hub for Apple Fans

We’re thrilled to unveil a new method for the 9to5Mac community to interact: [9to5Mac Forums](https://9to5mac.com/forums/). Here’s how it functions and all the essential information you need.

## Accessing the 9to5Mac Forums

You can reach the 9to5Mac Forums at this link: [9to5mac.com/forums/](https://9to5mac.com/forums/). The platform is crafted to be intuitive, featuring categories for diverse Apple-related topics, such as hardware, software, and services. Users can initiate their own threads, join discussions, and interact with others by upvoting and downvoting comments.

## Smooth Integration with Current Accounts

A standout feature of the 9to5Mac Forums is its utilization of the same system as the existing 9to5Mac commenting platform. This means there’s no need to set up a new account; you can participate in both comments and forums with a single account.

## A Space for Connection and Conversation

The aim of the 9to5Mac Forums is to foster a lively and engaging atmosphere for readers and Apple enthusiasts to interact. Whether it’s discussing the latest Apple updates, delving into Apple history, or sharing tips and tricks, the forums strive to offer a venue for all interests related to Apple.

The hope is that this initiative evolves 9to5Mac from just a news outlet into a dynamic community where users can connect. Over time, the forums are anticipated to become a primary resource for finding solutions, uncovering useful advice, and connecting with fellow Apple aficionados, all while enjoying daily updates on Apple news.

## Input and Enhancements

The 9to5Mac team is eager to receive feedback from users. They are dedicated to implementing enhancements based on community suggestions. If you have any feedback, inquiries, or issues, the team encourages you to get in touch.

**Join the conversation: [9to5mac.com/forums/](https://9to5mac.com/forums/)**

**Support for Older Version of Apple Home Will Conclude February 10**

Apple’s HomeKit and the Home app have been essential to smart home management for more than ten years. In 2022, Apple rolled out a new framework for the Home app designed to improve the efficiency and dependability of controlling home devices. Although the upgrade was originally voluntary, Apple has established a definitive deadline for users who have not yet made the switch to the new system.

Initially planned for Fall 2025, the deadline for transitioning to the new Home app framework has been updated to February 10, 2026. Apple has started reaching out to users through email to remind them of this looming deadline, encouraging those who have not yet made the update to act swiftly.

The update procedure is simple:

1. Open the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. Tap or click the More button.
3. Choose Home Settings.
4. Select Software Update.
5. Tap or click Update Now and follow the instructions.

It’s crucial to understand that devices operating on earlier versions of iOS will need to be updated to access the new Home app. Any device connected to an upgraded home that does not utilize iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, or watchOS 9.2 or higher will lose access until it is updated.

Looking forward, speculation indicates that Apple might be preparing a considerable expansion of its smart home product range, with possible new hardware announcements anticipated around March.

For users who have not yet upgraded, now is the moment to ensure compatibility and benefit from the new features provided by the revised Apple Home app.

# Apple’s Anticipated iPhone Collection for 2026

Apple is preparing for an exhilarating year in 2026, with more than 20 new products projected to debut, including four fresh iPhone models. Among these, the iPhone 17e is expected to be the first to arrive, succeeded by the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and a foldable variant rumored to be named the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra.

## iPhone 17e

The iPhone 17e is scheduled for release in the next month or two, acting as the successor to the iPhone 16e and rounding out the iPhone 17 series. This model is speculated to boast multiple upgrades, such as:

– A19 chip, an enhancement over the A18
– Dynamic Island replacing the notch
– Center Stage front camera
– Slimmer bezels for a contemporary look
– MagSafe compatibility

Nonetheless, it will maintain a single rear camera, with the display foregoing ProMotion and always-on functionality, along with Camera Control. Priced at around $599, the iPhone 17e aims to attract budget-aware consumers seeking an upgrade.

## iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

Projected to launch in the autumn, likely in September, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will expand upon the achievements of the iPhone 17 Pro. While major alterations may not be foreseen, the improvements from the earlier model could render these flagship devices highly desirable.

## iPhone Fold / iPhone Ultra

Following years of conjecture, Apple is poised to unveil its inaugural foldable iPhone, rumored to be designated either the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra. This groundbreaking device is anticipated to debut in the fall with a starting price of roughly $2,000.

The iPhone Fold is expected to showcase a stylish titanium chassis, featuring an inner display of approximately 7.6 inches and an outer display around 5.4 inches. It will adopt a book-style folding design, reportedly free of a screen crease. Furthermore, it may contain the largest iPhone battery to date, although the new form factor raises concerns regarding overall battery endurance.

The device is likely to incorporate the A20 Pro chip from the iPhone 18 Pro, alongside two rear cameras and two front-facing cameras—one for each display. Due to size limitations, Apple may choose to use Touch ID as opposed to Face ID.

## 2026 iPhones Conclusion: No iPhone 18?

Significantly, the base model iPhone 18 is not anticipated to launch this year. Typically, a base model is introduced concurrently with the Pro models in the fall, but reports indicate that the iPhone 18 will be postponed until early 2027. Premium iPhone 18 versions are still expected to debut in fall 2026, with the budget-friendly base iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and possibly the iPhone Air 2 following in spring 2027.

As Apple gears up to introduce its new iPhone collection, consumers are left pondering the features and innovations that will characterize the forthcoming generation of iPhones.