Apple has added a new support document on its website (via iFun.de) that confirms the third-generation Apple TV or later can be used to control HomeKit-enabled accessories when you are away from home using an iOS device.
After signing in with the same Apple ID on an iOS device and Apple TV, users can use Siri commands to remotely control lights, locks, thermostats, smart plugs and other HomeKit-enabled accessories. A separate new support document lists the available HomeKit-compatible devices as they begin to roll out.
The new support documents were added just as multiple accessory makers announced the first HomeKit-compatible products, including Lutron, iHome, Elgato, Insteon and Ecobee. Many of the accessories are available for purchase or pre-order this week, and others should be unveiled following Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference next week.
It has been known that the Apple TV would serve as a centralized hub for many of these accessories since their original unveiling at CES 2015 in January, while support for the HomeKit framework was quietly included in the Apple TV 7.0 software update last September, but today marks one of the first official confirmations from Apple.
Apple is widely expected to announce a new A8-based Apple TV with an App Store and Siri at WWDC next week. The next-generation set-top box is rumored to feature a "dramatic increase" in internal storage, well beyond the 8GB included in the current model, and the inclusion of Siri will enable users to control HomeKit-enabled accessories using voice commands.
HomeKit was announced at WWDC last year as a software framework for communicating with and controlling connected devices in the home, but the home automation platform experienced delays over the ensuing months and did not officially launch until this month. Apple is expected to provide more details about HomeKit and related accessories during its WWDC keynote on June 8 at 10 AM Pacific.
The new Apple TV is going to be absolutely incredible. I can't wait to see everything Apple announces next week about this. I'm already preparing to line up to buy at least four of them.
Definitely will require a new bridge. HomeKit accessories require an MFi certified hardware chip to do the authentication of the device into HomeKit. The bulbs are ZigBee and according to the developer docs if they are paired with a MFi bridge, that bridge can connect them into HomeKit as long as they aren't a security type device (i.e. door lock).
Thing is tho. I shouldn’t even need AppleTV for this. Homekit should also have an interface that is found in System Preferences.
You only need an AppleTV to control the devices if you aren't on the local WiFi network. Any iOS device on the same network should be able to connect directly to the devices. If you want control while "out and about" the AppleTV acts as a bridge/relay for getting the commands to your local network.
All that is according to the current Apple Developer documentation and videos from last year's WWDC. Some of this may change next week, but I am guessing it will mostly stay like that.
Friday February 3, 2023 1:13 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
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Below, we've recapped new features in iOS 16.3, including support for physical security keys as a two-factor authentication option for...
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Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with TigerDirect. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
That's a savings of 48% compared to Apple's normal $599.00...
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The same logs have accurately foreshadowed the release of several previous updates, including iOS 16.0.3 and iOS 16.1.1 most recently, so they...
Friday February 3, 2023 1:28 pm PST by Juli Clover
Today is the official launch day for the second-generation HomePod that was introduced in January, and we picked one up to compare it to the original HomePod that Apple discontinued in 2021.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Design wise, the second-generation HomePod looks a lot like the first-generation model, featuring the same rounded design and acoustic mesh...
Apple on January 23 released iOS 16.3, delivering support for Security Keys for Apple IDs, changes to Emergency SOS functionality, support for the second-generation HomePod, and more.
Apple has added a new support document on its website (via iFun.de) that confirms the third-generation Apple TV or later can be used to control HomeKit-enabled accessories when you are away from home using an iOS device. 
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Apple revealing new features = iOS blog
Sometimes I don't get MacRumors' priorities...
https://www.facebook.com/huePhilips/posts/681652905299930
Hope no new bridge / bulbs are needed!
Looking forward to control a house with Siri commands:
Siri switch off the lights in the living room.
Did you mean the brides and living groom?
NO ! SWITCH OFF THE LIGHTS IN THE LIVING ROOM
There are 3 lights nearby
Switching to FM Lite in iTunes
You only need an AppleTV to control the devices if you aren't on the local WiFi network. Any iOS device on the same network should be able to connect directly to the devices. If you want control while "out and about" the AppleTV acts as a bridge/relay for getting the commands to your local network.
All that is according to the current Apple Developer documentation and videos from last year's WWDC. Some of this may change next week, but I am guessing it will mostly stay like that.