C by GE no longer exists. The brand was rebranded to Cync by GE in early 2021, after Savant Systems acquired GE Lighting in July 2020. If you're shopping for smart bulbs today, you're looking at Cync – not C by GE.
As for HomeKit: the answer depends entirely on which Cync bulbs you buy. Older Cync models work with Alexa and Google Home only. Newer Matter-compatible Cync bulbs (released in 2024) work with Apple Home. If HomeKit matters to you, you need to specifically look for the Matter label on the box.
C by GE / Cync HomeKit Status
The original C by GE bulbs had a rocky relationship with HomeKit. GE promised HomeKit support multiple times starting in 2017, finally delivering it in May 2019 – but only for specific bulbs and only through a separate C-Reach hub. It was clunky.
When Savant rebranded everything as Cync in 2021, native HomeKit support was dropped. The new Cync lineup launched with Alexa and Google Home only.
At CES 2023, GE Lighting announced Matter support was coming. By 2024, Cync started shipping Matter-compatible bulbs – which means those newer models work with Apple Home (HomeKit) natively. The older Cync hardware is not getting retroactive Matter support. GE has been clear about that.
So the current state: some Cync bulbs support HomeKit, most do not. The determining factor is whether the bulb is Matter-compatible. Check the product page before buying.
What Cync Bulbs Work With
Most Cync bulbs – including popular models like the Tunable White A19 – work with:
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Home / Google Assistant
- The Cync app (iOS and Android)
The newer Matter-compatible Cync bulbs add:
- Apple Home (HomeKit)
- Amazon Alexa (via Matter)
- Google Home (via Matter)
- Samsung SmartThings
If you're buying on Amazon, look for “Matter Compatible” in the product title or description. The non-Matter models are cheaper and still widely sold – they just won't talk to HomeKit.
Should You Buy Cync for a HomeKit Home?
If your home is built around Apple HomeKit, Cync is not the obvious first choice. Philips Hue has supported HomeKit natively and reliably for years. LIFX works with HomeKit too, without needing a hub. If you want the path of least resistance into HomeKit, either of those brands will give you a smoother experience.
That said, Cync Matter bulbs do work with HomeKit and they're cheaper than Hue. If you're price-sensitive and willing to specifically seek out the Matter-labeled models, they're a reasonable option. Just don't grab a random Cync pack off the shelf and assume it'll work – it probably won't.
For a full comparison of the best HomeKit-compatible dimmable bulbs, that guide covers more of the options.
How to Set Up Matter-Compatible Cync Bulbs With HomeKit
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Confirm your bulb is Matter-compatible
Check the box or the Amazon listing for “Matter Compatible.” Older Cync models without the Matter label will not work with HomeKit. This step saves a lot of frustration.
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Screw in the bulb and power it on
Standard install – screw the Cync bulb into your fixture and turn on the switch. The bulb should pulse or flash to indicate it's in pairing mode. If it doesn't, power cycle it three times to reset.
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Open the Apple Home app on your iPhone or iPad
Tap the + icon in the top-right corner, then select “Add Accessory.” You can scan the Matter QR code on the bulb packaging or the bulb itself.
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Scan the Matter QR code
Point your camera at the QR code on the bulb or packaging. The Home app will detect the device. If it doesn't appear, try the manual setup option and enter the 11-digit code printed on the packaging.
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Name the bulb and assign it to a room
Follow the on-screen prompts to name the bulb and place it in the correct room in the Home app. Once assigned, you can control it with Siri, create automations, and group it with other HomeKit devices.