Aqara keeps on a hot srreak in 2025 with a host of new products. After its new HomeKit Secure Video camera, the Aqara LED Bulb T2 is the companys latest smart lighting option, bringing a nice combination of Thread and Zigbee support. Matter support, Zigbee Adaptive Lighting, and ultra-wide color tuning make it a solid addition to any HomeKit environment.HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything to do with Apples smart home framework.HomeKit bulb woesFor whatever reason, bulbs are the HomeKit device I have the most trouble with (i.e., no response error). The Aqara LED Bulb T2 aims to support Matter over Thread for future-proof compatibility and offer Zigbee for advanced customization if you have a Zigbee setup. If youre already in the Aqara ecosystem with an Aqara hub, the integration with Zigbee enables features like multi-device grouping, custom dimming curves, and smooth light transitions.Key featuresWireless Protocols: Supports Thread, Zigbee, and BluetoothHomeKit Compatibility: Works with HomeKit, Adaptive Lighting (Zigbee only)Matter Support: Compatible with Google, Amazon, and Samsung via Thread for cross-platform useColor Options:RGB CCT Version: 16 million colors, tunable white (2000K-9000K)CCT Version: Tunable white (2700K-6500K)Brightness:E26 Model: Up to 1100lm (75W equivalent)GU10 Model: Up to 450lm (30W equivalent)Color Rendering Index (CRI): Ra>90 for accurate colorsAdaptive Lighting: Automatically adjusts color temperature (Zigbee only, not HomeKit Adaptive Lighting)Multi-Device Grouping: Sync multiple Aqara bulbs in the Aqara Home appCustom Lighting Effects: Dimming curve control, customizable transitions, and dynamic effectsPower-Off Memory: Configurable settings to retain last state after power outageAdding to HomeKitSetting up the Aqara LED Bulb T2 in HomeKit is simple. If you have aThread border router(HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K), the T2 can connect viaMatter over ThreadInstall the Bulb: Screw in the bulb and turn it on. Simple enough, huh?Adding it in HomeKit: Open theHome app, tap the+ icon, and scan theHomeKit QR codeon the bulb or manual. If using Zigbee, ensure yourAqara hubis already set up.Customize in the Home App: Once its onboarded to HomeKit, youll add the bulb to a room. Youll then be able to add it to scenes, automations, adjust the color, and much more. Pair it with a HomeKit motion sensor to unlock some really nice automations as well.Wrap upAs I mentioned at the beginning, Aqara is off to a hot start in 2025 with a host of new products. With a competitive price point, Matter via Thread, and strong Zigbee features, this might be one of the best new smart home bulbs on the market.You can buy it from Amazon.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel