Apple sets date to upgrade Home app architecture
If you don't update soon, your Apple home may not work.
Apple today sent out an email reminder to users of Apple Home who have not upgraded to the new architecture for the Apple HomeKit ecosystem. Essentially, back in iOS 16, Apple announced new Apple Home features that required a new Home architecture update.
It was, and still is, free, and does not require any new pieces of hardware. The update, notably, removed support for iPad as a Home hub to allow for better speed and reliability, now requiring an Apple TV or HomePod if you wish to use a Home hub (a Home hub is not required, still). This update allows accessories to connect correctly and more quickly now that the Home hub is more reliable.
Apple said in the email to users, "This email serves as your second reminder that support for the earlier version of Apple Home will end next month on February 10, 2026." This has caused some stirring with customers who use older devices to manage their smart homes, since the new update could remove support for the older devices and make the Apple Home disappear. Apple also says the update allows for even more new features announced more recently, like robot vacuum support.
The updated HomeKit architecture requires iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, or watchOS 9.2. Users can update within the Home app in the Software Updates section.
The Apple HomeKit architecture upgrade has not sat well with everyone, but it brings faster speeds and better reliability to Apple Home devices. We will have to wait and see what Apple does soon.
