Apple is set to discontinue support for the previous version of Apple Home this year. The company has been proactive in urging users to transition to the new HomeKit architecture to avoid disruption with their smart home accessories and automations. Users are encouraged to upgrade before support officially ends. Recently, Apple announced that some users who have not yet upgraded to the new architecture might be transitioned automatically.
This information comes from the latest beta version of iOS 18.6, which includes code indicating that automatic upgrades will roll out. While some homes will receive this upgrade without user intervention, others will need to be updated manually. Users are advised to upgrade now to ensure continued access to their accessories, automations, and critical alerts. Previously, Apple did not mention the possibility of automatic upgrades, but it seems necessary to minimize service interruptions, especially for those who might overlook the Home app settings.
However, Apple has not specified which users will benefit from the automatic upgrade, leaving it unclear who might need to perform a manual update. The updated HomeKit architecture was first introduced in December 2022, but it faced several issues, such as problems with missing devices and home sharing invitations, which led Apple to retract the update. It was reintroduced in March 2023 alongside iOS 16.4 and has operated more smoothly since then. It’s important to note that the new HomeKit architecture is incompatible with devices running earlier versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
As support ends this fall, some users may find themselves unable to control their HomeKit setups on older Apple devices. Enhanced features of the new architecture include support for guest access, robot vacuum cleaners, and improved performance for homes with many smart accessories. For those yet to upgrade, the process can be initiated in the Home app under Home Settings.
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