Workflows in Detail
Workflows are built from clearly defined building blocks: start events trigger execution, conditions check context, steps control your home, and end events stop the flow when needed.
Every workflow follows a clear structure. Execution begins with a start event, passes through optional conditions and steps, and ends with an optional end event.
Start events determine when a workflow is triggered. Without Controller Hub, workflows can only be started manually.
Manual
Start the workflow at any time from the app, via widgets, Control Center widgets, or Siri Shortcuts.
Accessory Value
Start when a device reaches a specific state - e.g. motion detected or light turned on.
Compare Two Accessory Values
Start when a device value crosses a defined threshold.
Scheduled Time
Start at a specific time with configurable repeat intervals.
Sunrise / Sunset
Start relative to sunrise or sunset with an optional offset.
Sun Position
Start based on solar azimuth and elevation for precise light control.
Server Trigger
Start the workflow via a server trigger from the backend.
Shortcut
Start the workflow via Apple Shortcuts or Siri.
Calendar Event
Start when a calendar event begins - e.g. from iCloud or subscribed calendars.
Reminder
Start when a reminder becomes due.
State Change
Start when a user-defined state changes.
Timer / Duration
Start after a defined time interval has elapsed.
Conditions are evaluated before steps execute. The workflow only continues when all conditions are met.
Accessory Value
Check whether a device has a specific value.
Compare Two Accessory Values
Compare two device values against each other.
Schedule
Check whether the current time or weekday matches a criterion.
Date Range
Check whether the current date falls within a defined range.
Sunrise / Sunset
Check whether it is currently day, night, sunrise, or sunset.
Sun Position
Check solar azimuth and elevation for location-aware logic.
Weather: Temperature
Check the current outdoor temperature.
Weather: Humidity
Check the current humidity level.
Weather: Precipitation
Check precipitation probability or amount.
Weather: UV Index
Check the current UV index.
Weather: Cloud Cover
Check the current cloud cover.
Weather: Visibility
Check the current visibility.
Weather: Wind Speed
Check the current wind speed.
Custom State
Check the value of a user-defined state.
Availability
Check whether a calendar has an event or the time slot is free.
Event Condition
Check properties of a specific calendar event.
Start Event
Check properties of the event that triggered the workflow.
Steps are the actual logic of your workflow. From device control and branching to loops and calendar integration.
Write Value
Set a device value - e.g. turn on a light, adjust a thermostat.
Control Devices by Type
Control all devices of a specific type at once - e.g. all lights in a room.
Control Selected Devices
Control a manually selected group of devices.
Read Value
Read the current value of a device for use later in the workflow.
Execute Scene
Run an existing Apple Home scene.
Create Timer
Create a timer that triggers a step when it expires.
Enable/Disable Automation
Programmatically enable or disable a HomeKit automation.
Change Workflow State
Enable or disable another workflow.
Wait
Wait for a specified duration before executing the next step.
Send Notification
Send a push notification with live values and context.
Text-to-Speech
Output text as spoken audio via a HomePod or compatible speaker.
Call URL
Send an HTTP request to an external service or webhook.
Monitor Value
Monitor a device value in real time and react to changes.
Output
Set a return value that is passed back to the workflow caller.
Open View
Navigate to a specific view within the Controller app.
Create Calendar Event
Automatically create a new calendar entry.
Create Reminder
Automatically create a new reminder.
Modify Calendar Item
Modify an existing calendar or reminder entry.
Change State Value
Change the value of a user-defined state for cross-workflow logic.
If / Else
Branch the flow into two paths based on a condition.
Repeat
Repeat a group of steps a specified number of times.
Try / Catch
Catch execution errors and define an alternative flow.
End Execution
Immediately end the workflow at this point.
Exit Repeat
Exit the current repeat loop early.
Comment
Add a comment to document your workflow.
End events automatically stop a running workflow when a defined condition occurs. This way your workflow responds not just at start, but also during execution.
Accessory Value
End the workflow when a device reaches a specific state.
Compare Two Accessory Values
End the workflow when a device value crosses a defined threshold.
State Change
End the workflow when a user-defined state changes.
Time
End the workflow at a specific time.
Weekday
End the workflow on specific days of the week.
Date Range
End the workflow when a specific date range is reached.
Controller Hub
To run Workflows continuously in the background, use a dedicated hub device. Controller Hub executes your logic automatically and keeps execution stable over time.
Learn more about Controller HubDedicated device
Use iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac as your hub device.
App remains active
Keep Controller running in the foreground on the selected hub device.
Automatic execution
Once configured, workflows execute automatically without manual interaction.
Check out our step-by-step tutorials and create your first workflow in minutes.
View Tutorials