Matter Device Sharing: Apple Home → HA vs HA → Apple Home – Any Difference?

[mild granite]

Hello everyone, I have a quick question.

I’m using IKEA bulbs that support Matter over Thread. I first added these bulbs via Thread/Matter to my Apple HomePods. After that, I used pairing mode / the Matter setup code to additionally add the same devices to Home Assistant, so I can create automations there.

However, I’ve now noticed that I can also add a device directly to Home Assistant via the Home Assistant app using the Matter code. In that case, the bulb becomes part of the Thread network created by the Apple HomePods. To see it in Apple HomeKit, I then have to share the Matter device from Home Assistant and scan the generated QR code with the Apple Home app.

Is there any significant difference between:
• Adding the device to Apple HomeKit first and then sharing it to Home Assistant
vs.
• Adding the device to Home Assistant first and then sharing it to Apple HomeKit?

All devices are in the same Thread network created by the Apple HomePods. I am not using a Thread stick with Home Assistant — I am only using the existing Thread network from the Apple HomePods.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[novel patrol]

As far as I know there is zero functional difference if onboarding from either ecosystem works you are good to go. My understanding you can delete the device from the initial ecosystem and it will continue to function on the system you added it to second.

Some people have issue onboarding or adding a Matter over Thread device to HA first with your type of setup and its just easier to add to Apple Home, then share it to HA. But no functional difference or limitation either way.