In a recent announcement that has left many early smart home adopters disappointed, Logitech confirmed it will permanently disable all Pop switches on October 15, 2025. Originally launched in August 2016, these Pop switches were designed to provide users with quick access to a variety of smart home actions, including the ability to control third-party devices effortlessly.
The Logitech Pop switches allowed users to program buttons to perform multiple functions, such as launching Philips Hue lighting presets, playing music from Sonos speakers, or adjusting Lutron smart blinds. Each switch could store up to three actions and connected to smart home devices through a shared Wi-Fi network. Users could conveniently control the switches via a dedicated app available on both Android and iOS.
Initially, the Pop Home Switch Starter Pack was priced at $100, while individual Pop Add-on Home Switches were available for $40 each. However, on September 29, Logitech sent out a notification to customers, warning them that their Pop switches would soon become obsolete. The email stated, "As of October 15, 2025, your POP button(s) and the connected hub will no longer be supported and will lose all functionality."
As a gesture of goodwill, Logitech has offered affected customers a 15 percent discount coupon applicable to select Logitech products, including their popular Ultimate Ears speakers. However, this coupon is only valid in the US until March 31, 2026, and it excludes certain product lines such as Logitech’s Pro or RS racing wheels, videoconferencing tools, and newly released items.
Despite the compensation, concerns remain about the impending e-waste created by the discontinuation of the Pop switches. Logitech's spokesperson did not address questions about the e-waste implications, the short notice given to customers, or whether users could continue to operate the devices locally following the October deadline. In an email to Ars Technica, a Logitech representative mentioned, “For close to a decade we have been maintaining the POP ecosystem, but as technology evolves, we have made the decision to end support for this device.”
However, reports from users indicate that the maintenance of the Pop ecosystem has noticeably declined in recent years. Many have experienced inconsistent functionality with the buttons when pairing them with apps like Logitech's Harmony Hub, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit.
Logitech's earlier commitment to the smart home market appears to be waning. The company had previously marketed Pop switches as compatible with its Harmony-branded universal remotes, yet it ceased manufacturing Harmony remotes in 2021 and ended support for first-generation models in March. The decline in support raises questions about Logitech's dedication to the smart home space, especially given its acquisition of Intrigue, the company behind Harmony remotes, for $29 million in 2004.
Adding to concerns, Logitech CEO Hanneke Faber hinted at a reduced focus on smart home products, including the Circle series of smart doorbells, stating she was “not even sure those are still being sold.” Although Logitech later clarified that certain Circle products are still available, the CEO's comments have not instilled confidence in the longevity of Logitech's smart home offerings, particularly as the company hasn't launched a new product since 2020.
The decline and eventual discontinuation of Logitech's Pop buttons serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by smart home enthusiasts. Many consumers struggle to find quality products that offer not just functionality but also long-term support. This trend is not limited to newer companies; even established brands like Logitech and Belkin, which once eagerly embraced the smart home revolution, are falling short of expectations.
The looming e-waste crisis underscores the importance of investing in smart home products that facilitate local control, ensuring that users are not left with inoperable devices due to shifting corporate priorities or business failures.
