After previous warnings, Apple issued a final email this week to customers using its Home app: Upgrade to the latest architecture by February 10 or risk losing control of your smart home devices. Well, that doesn’t sound good.
Apple warns users to update Home app: What’s changing and why
The company reminded users that support for the previous version of Apple Home will end on that date, according to a support document. Users who do not upgrade may experience significant disruption. This can include problems with accessories and automation, or complete loss of access to smart home settings via the app.
Apple improved the original version and introduced a redesigned Home architecture in 2022. The iPhone giant described it as “more reliable and efficient” than its predecessor. The company has now made the switch mandatory, ending support for the legacy system after more than two years of coexistence.
What will change
The newer version promises improved performance for smart home accessories and enables several features unavailable on the older system. These include support for robotic vacuum cleaners, guest access features, and tracking activity history in the Home app.
Users who stay on the older version will also miss out on important security fixes and performance improvements going forward.
Who does it affect?
The warning applies to anyone using Apple’s Home app to manage Home-enabled devices, including HomePod speakers, Apple TV boxes, smart lights, locks, thermostats and other compatible accessories.
With millions of users relying on the Home app for daily routines, an outage could cause widespread disruption in households that haven’t yet upgraded.
How to upgrade before the deadline
According to Apple’s support documentation, the upgrade process is simple:
- Users should open Home application on their iPhone, iPad or Mac.
- Tap or click three dots in the upper right corner and go to Home settings.
- Choose Software update and click on “Update now.”
All households owned by the user will receive the update simultaneously during this process.
But not that if you see the message “This house and all accessories are up to date” you shouldn’t do anything. You are already using the current version.
Know the critical requirements
Before upgrading the Home app itself, Apple recommends users ensure that all their devices meet the minimum system requirements. The new Home architecture requires at least iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2 and watchOS 9.2.
Apple recommends updating all compatible devices before upgrading the Home app to avoid compatibility issues and ensure uninterrupted access to your smart home ecosystem.
Any iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or Apple Watch with older software will lose access to the updated home until you upgrade. In addition, a home hub – either Apple TV or HomePod – is required to share home controls and receive notifications. Notably, iPads are no longer supported as home hubs on the latest version of Apple Home.