Apple Home Update: Why You Must Upgrade and How to Do It

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If you use Apple's HomeKit or Home app to control smart devices, there's an essential update you need to finish to maintain access and unlock new features. On Hands-On Apple, Mikah Sargent walked through the steps and what you'll gain by upgrading your Apple Home system.

What's Happening: The End of HomeKit's Old Architecture

Apple is making a final transition to a new Home architecture, driven by improvements in smart home technology and the adoption of the Matter standard for broader compatibility. The previous version of the Home app will stop being supported after February 10, 2026.

If you don’t update, you’ll lose the ability to control accessories, receive critical alerts, and use features like guest access, robot vacuum support, and activity history.

Why the Update Is Important

Apple HomeKit and the Home app are central to managing smart lights, thermostats, security devices, and more. This update ensures your devices remain compatible as platforms and accessories adopt Matter, which allows for more cross-platform smart home gear to work together.

Missing this update means you might lose control of lights, speakers, smart locks, and other devices, especially if you have shared access with family or roommates.

How to Update Your Apple Home

1. Check Your Device Software Versions

• Update all Apple devices with Home access to at least:
  • iOS 16.2
  • iPadOS 16.2
  • macOS 13.1
  • tvOS 16.2
  • watchOS 9.2
• Ensure family and others with Home app access do the same.

2. Open the Home App

• Launch the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV.

3. Look for the Update Prompt

• You may see a message saying support for your current Home is ending.
• Tap "Update Now" when you see it.

4. Use Manual Update If Needed

• If you don’t see a prompt within the app, tap the three dots in the upper right-hand corner, tap Home Settings, and go to Software Update.
• Apply available updates for accessories like HomePod, HomePod Mini, and other smart home gear.

5. Check That All Accessories Update

• Enable automatic updates if possible, especially for shared homes.
• Use the Home app's settings to see which devices have updated.

What's New With the Apple Home Update

With the latest Home architecture, you get:

• Guest Access: Invite trusted guests for temporary control.
• Robot Vacuum Support: Manage and automate cleaning devices within Home.
• Activity History: See who’s used or changed your smart home devices.
• Cleaner Energy Advice: Some accounts can view grid forecast for making eco-friendly choices.
• Improved security, reliability, and compatibility with future smart home products.

Home Sweet HomeKit

• Update before February 2026: Failure will mean losing access and key Home features.
• All devices must upgrade: Anyone in your shared Home needs the latest OS.
• You get new features: Beyond continued access, enjoy guest management, vacuum support, and more.
• Hands-On Apple emphasizes checking software versions and the Home update prompt to avoid issues.

If you want continued, uninterrupted use of your Apple Home or HomeKit smart devices—and access to new features like guest access and better accessory support—update every device and your Home app as soon as possible. Waiting puts your smart home at risk of losing core functions.

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