New Philips Hue Update Enhances Battery Status Accuracy for Key Accessories

Philips has deployed a significant firmware update for its battery-powered smart home accessories, addressing key functionality issues reported by users. Software version 67.116.1/2.85.1/2.85.5 focuses primarily on refining battery status reporting accuracy across compatible devices—a critical improvement given how battery levels influence automation reliability in Hue ecosystems.

The update specifically targets accessories like the Hue Smart Wireless Dimmer Switch V2 (currently $28.60 on Amazon) and Hue Motion Sensors, while explicitly excluding Secure camera products. This follows December 2024's minor maintenance update and represents the first meaningful feature refinement for these devices in 2026.

Technical improvements include:

• Precise Battery Reporting: Resolves inconsistencies where accessories displayed inaccurate battery levels, potentially causing unexpected automation failures.
• Motion Sensor Sensitivity Fix: Corrects an issue where low-sensitivity settings on Hue Motion Sensors failed to trigger events reliably.
• Background Optimizations: Undisclosed stability enhancements affecting accessory connectivity and response times.

Compared to previous versions, this update demonstrates Philips' focus on refining core functionality rather than introducing new features. The December 2024 patch addressed minor connectivity bugs, whereas this release tackles fundamental performance aspects that directly impact daily use. For households with multiple Hue accessories, accurate battery reporting reduces maintenance frustration by providing reliable low-battery warnings before devices go offline.

The update rolls out automatically through the Philips Hue app. Users can verify automatic updates are enabled via Settings > Software update > Automatic update. Those managing large installations should prioritize applying this patch, as the battery reporting improvements significantly reduce unexpected device downtime. Motion sensor users—particularly in low-traffic areas where sensitivity settings matter most—will notice immediate reliability gains.

Philips continues supporting its accessory ecosystem with targeted fixes while reserving major feature updates for newer product lines. This approach balances legacy device support with innovation, though the exclusion of Secure cameras suggests segmentation between Hue's lighting-focused accessories and its security portfolio.