Philips Hue is pushing past “smart bulbs” into a broader home platform. The new Hue Bridge Pro lifts capacity and speed. Hue Essential brings a lower-priced entry to the ecosystem. Strip lights get a complete refresh. There are permanent outdoor strings, a Hue Secure video doorbell with a smart chime, and tighter links with Sonos Voice Control. AI also steps in for scene creation and future automations.
Hue Bridge Pro: more capacity, faster control
The new hub serves as the base for large installations.
- Supports up to 150 lights and 50 accessories
- 5x faster processor, 15x more memory than the current Bridge
- Stores 500+ scenes; quicker responses across the system
- Hue Motion Aware turns Hue lights into motion sensors
- Easy upgrade from existing Bridge; multi-Bridge merge promised this year
The all-black Hue Bridge Pro is made for homes that have outgrown the old hub. It raises device limits and speeds up scene switching. Motion Aware utilises on-device intelligence to detect movement through light behaviour, allowing you to trigger lighting without the need for additional sensors. If you already use Hue, you can migrate settings in a few clicks, and a tool to combine multiple Bridges into one Pro unit.
Hue Essential: a simpler, cheaper way in
Essential targets first-time buyers who want Hue reliability without the full spec.
- Same app, same connectivity as core Hue
- Simplified light performance at a lower price
- Works over Bluetooth; more features with a Bridge
- Bulb types: A19, BR30, GU10
- Essential strip and flex strip options
Essential uses the Hue software stack, so setup and routines feel familiar. You get Bluetooth control out of the box, and deeper features when you add a Bridge. It’s a clean on-ramp to build from one room to whole-home lighting over time, without breaking compatibility later.
Strip lights, Festavia and outdoor: more ways to shape light
Hue refreshes the most creative part of the range.
- OmniGlow is the first spot-free strip using CSP LEDs
- Flux, Flux Ultra Bright, outdoor and neon models cover indoor and outdoor use
- Custom lengths with extend or cut options, model dependent
- Festavia permanent strings stay up all year (IP65)
- New Festavia globe strings add a decorative bulb look
OmniGlow’s smooth light line suits cabinets, media walls and coves. Flux strips fill the mainstream, with Ultra Bright for high-lumen jobs. Outdoor and neon options help outline paths, balconies and façades. Festavia strings shift from seasonal to permanent, with globe variants for patios and pergolas. All are designed to mix ambience with practical light.
Hue Secure: doorbell, chime and app upgrades
Lighting meets security at the front door and beyond.
- Secure video doorbell with wide-angle view and two-way talk
- Smart Chime plugs in for audible alerts
- Lights can trigger from motion or a doorbell press
- 24-hour video history will be free later this year
- Cameras can detect smoke-alarm tones and flash emergency light alerts
- AI-based facial recognition planned for 2026
- New 2K wired cameras (black/white) and a desktop stand option
Secure ties light and video in one place. The doorbell and chime handle arrivals, while cameras gain smarter alerts. A free 24-hour history lowers the barrier for basic recording, and the smoke-alarm signal detection adds a safety layer. Planned facial recognition aims to reduce false pings and tailor responses in 2026.
Sonos Voice Control: private, fast voice for Hue, rolling out in September
From September, mic-enabled Sonos speakers will control Philips Hue lights hands-free. Commands run locally on the speaker for speed and privacy. The rollout starts in US English and French and is available worldwide, except in China.
- Voice actions: turn lights on/off, set brightness, change colour or colour temperature, launch Hue scenes, and control smart plugs
- Privacy: on-device processing, no cloud, no recordings, and no internet connection required
- Availability: September launch; languages at start are US English and French; available globally except China
- Demand: Sonos says Hue lighting control has been its most requested voice feature
- Ecosystem: works alongside Sonos music commands for unified sound-and-light control
This partnership combines immersive sound with smart lighting and voice control, keeping data on the speaker. In practice, that means quick responses and fewer privacy trade-offs. It’s a tidy upgrade for living rooms, gaming corners and open-plan spaces in UAE homes where a single command can shift both the playlist and the mood. As Sonos puts it, “with the privacy of your data staying right on your speaker,” said Nathan Hart, Senior Product Manager at Sonos.
Availability and pricing (by region)
Dates below are from the announcement. UAE pricing and dates were not shared at the time of writing (4 September 2025, UAE time).
- Hue Bridge Pro
- Europe & North America: September 2025 (EU €89.99 / US $98.99)
- Hue Essential bulbs and kits
- A19/BR30/GU10: Europe & North America from September 2025
- Example pricing: A19 from €24.99 / $24.99; GU10 from €24.99
- Starter kits (E27/GU10) in Europe, UK and North America from September 2025
- Essential strips
- Europe, UK, ANZ: December 2025 (lengths and prices vary by 5 m / 10 m)
- Hue strip lights
- OmniGlow: Europe, UK, North America from November 2025
- Flux ranges: Europe October 2025; UK November 2025; North America March 2026; ANZ October 2025
- Festavia strings
- Europe December 2025; North America September and December 2025; ANZ/Korea/Japan September 2025
- Hue Secure
- Video doorbell: Europe & North America October 2025
- Smart Chime: Europe & North America October 2025
- 2K wired camera: Europe October 2025; desktop stand variant October/November 2025
UAE buyers should expect regional retailers to confirm local dates and AED pricing closer to launch. Current Hue stock is widely sold in the UAE, but these new models are pending local confirmation.
FAQs
How many devices can Hue Bridge Pro handle?
Up to 150 lights and 50 accessories. It also stores 500+ scenes and responds faster than the current Bridge.
What’s the difference between Hue Essential and the main Hue range?
Essential keeps the same app and connectivity but trims light performance for a lower price. It’s Bluetooth-ready and gains more features with a Bridge.
When will these products be available in the UAE?
The press material lists Europe, North America and ANZ dates. UAE availability and AED pricing have not been announced yet.
