Smart home PSA: Apple's 'new architecture' for Home app becomes mandatory today

Source: Ars Technica

Upgrade Requirements

Apple’s support document outlines the steps you need to take if you haven’t upgraded yet:

1. Ensure every device you plan to use the Home app on is running a supported operating system (iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, or watchOS 9.2 or later).
2. Open the Home app.
3. Tap the update prompt.

Apple notes that some users “may be automatically upgraded to the latest version of Apple Home,” but it does not specify the conditions that trigger an automatic switch.

What the New Architecture Includes

Apple has not provided explicit details about the updated Home architecture, but recent additions to the Home (formerly HomeKit) ecosystem generally require the new architecture and app. According to Apple’s support page, the updated system supports:

• Guest access
• Robot vacuum cleaners
• Activity History in the Home app

Home Hub Requirements

Features that rely on a “home hub”, such as:

• Sharing control of a home with other Apple users
• Receiving notifications
• Adding accessories compatible with the Matter smart home standard

now require a HomePod (full‑sized or mini) or a modern Apple TV box on your network. The previous version of Home/HomeKit allowed iPads to act as home hubs, but iPads can no longer serve that role with the new architecture.