Apple Warns Users To Upgrade Now To Avoid Smart Home Problems

Forbes

01-07-2025

Apple HomeKit system
If you've been dragging your feet about upgrading to the new HomeKit architecture, Apple may be about to give you a firm shove.
First introduced back in 2022 as part of iOS 16.2, Apple's revamped HomeKit framework promised a more stable smart home setup, especially for larger systems filled with multiple Matter or HomeKit accessories.
But thanks to some early teething problems (think vanishing devices, broken video feeds, failed invites and more), Apple quickly pulled the update before re-releasing it a few months later with iOS 16.4.
Since then, the upgrade's been entirely optional but that grace period is now coming to an end.
Apple is telling users that the old HomeKit architecture will soon stop working entirely and, crucially, some users will be upgraded automatically.
In the latest 18.6 beta, the guys at MacRumours noticed a message warning:
'Support for your current version of Apple Home will end this fall. Some homes will be automatically updated at that time, but others need to be updated manually. You can update now to avoid interruptions with your accessories, automations, and critical alerts.'
In other words, if you're still running the old setup, your time is officially running out.
Apple hasn't explained who gets auto-upgraded and who doesn't, but if your iOS devices are all running newer software and auto-updates are enabled, there's a good chance you're already on the new architecture and don't even know it.
Still, if you want to double-check (or avoid a forced upgrade that could potentially botch your carefully crafted scenes and automations), head to the Home app > More > Home Settings > Software Update.
The updated HomeKit framework is a foundational change, and it doesn't play nicely with older OS versions so older iPads or Macs that aren't running iOS 16 or macOS Sonoma may lose access entirely this fall.
That could be a problem if you're using, say, an old iPad as a wall-mounted controller or Home hub.