IFA 2025: Philips unveils new Hue, Ribbon and Bridge Pro smart bulbs
By ForGeeks
Philips Hue announced the biggest update in its history at IFA in Berlin. The lineup includes affordable smart lamps, a new version of the Hue Bridge Pro, updated LED strips, support for the Matter-over-Thread standard, and new devices from the Hue Secure series, including a doorbell with camera and an improved surveillance camera. Most of the new products are available for purchase now.
Hue Bridge Pro: first update in 10 years
Philips Hue has released the third generation of a central hub for its Zigbee ecosystem. The Hue Bridge Pro is priced at $98.99 (€89.99) and is the first update to the bridge in 10 years.
The new Bridge gets a redesigned black casing, a faster processor, more memory, and expanded capacity: up to 150 bulbs and 50 accessories (soft limit). That’s three times the capacity of the previous V2 version, which is still on sale.”
The new Bridge has been redesigned with a new black chassis and a faster memory, while still being available for sale.
The new features include storage for up to 500 light scenes, faster response times and Hue Chip Pro technology. The latter enables the Hue MotionAware mode, which turns the lamps into motion sensors for automatic light activation and additional safety features.
The Hue MotionAware mode turns the lamps into motion sensors for automatic light activation and additional safety features.
Bridge Pro has Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) support for the first time, so the device no longer needs to be connected directly to a router. A migration tool is available for upgrading from a previous version, allowing you to migrate all your settings in a few clicks. The company promises to add support for combining multiple bridges into a single Bridge Pro by the end of the year.
Available Hue Essentials lamps
Philips Hue, known as a premium manufacturer, has introduced a budget line of Hue Essentials. It’s aimed at smart home newcomers and includes:
- A19 lights – $24.99 each or $60 for a set of four;
- GU10 lights – $24.99 each or $60 for a set of four;
- BR30 light fixtures – $24.99 each or $40 for a set of two;
- RGB Essential Strip Light – $59.99 for 5 meters and $99.99 for 10 meters;
- Essential Flex Strip Light neon tape – $99.99 for 5 meters and $169.99 for 10 meters;
The minimum price of a lamp in a multipack is $15. All devices support Hue Bridge (V2 and Pro) and have the basic smart light feature set, but are inferior to the senior line in features: they can’t dim as deeply, have a narrower white light range (2200-6500K) and simplified color quality.
The Essentials lamps (except ribbons) feature a next-generation Matter-over-Thread chip. This means they can connect directly to Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and other Matter platforms, without the need for a bridge.
New Flagship Lamps
The Philips Hue A19, Philips’ flagship range, has also been updated. The new model is 40% more energy efficient than its predecessors and supports dimming down to 0.2%. Color versions feature ChromaSync technology for the most accurate color reproduction.
All new Philips Hue lamps feature a Matter-over-Thread chip, allowing them to connect directly to any Matter platform. Prices start at $15.99 for a white bulb, $44.99 for a white bulb with shade adjustment, and $59.99 for a white and color version.
Older lamp models will not support Matter-over-Thread. Bridge Pro also does not work with Thread, but can connect older lamps to Matter via Bridge V2 or Pro.
LED strips: from Essentials to OmniGlow
Philips Hue has expanded its LED strip lineup to seven models. The major new addition is the flagship OmniGlow, which the company calls “Hue’s best ribbon ever.”
OmniGlow features CSP technology that eliminates spotlighting. There are 170 mini LEDs per square centimeter. It can dim down to 0.5% and deliver up to 4,500 lumens.
- Hue Flux Strip Light – from $69.99 for 3 meters and $99.99 for 5 meters;
- Hue Flux Ultra Bright – up to 6000 lumens, starting at €99.99 (later in the US);
- Hue Flux Outdoor – from €149.99;
- Hue Neon Outdoor – from €149.99;
- Hue Essential Strip Light;
- Hue Essential Flex Strip Light;
Philips offers accessories for the new strips: angle connectors, extensions up to 20 meters and cables. All models except Essentials support ChromaSync and work over Zigbee and Bluetooth.
New Outdoor Products
The Festavia lineup has been expanded with permanent street lights and garlands.
- Festavia Globe String Lights – from $159.99, support for color and adjustable white light;
- Festavia Permanent Lights – from $119.99, designed for permanent installation, such as along a roofline.
Total
Philips Hue unveiled its biggest update ever, betting on new lighting formats, advanced control options and price cuts to attract new users. It’s a response to the growing competition in the smart lighting segment.
