Apple is finally getting ready to retire the older version of Apple Home built on the legacy HomeKit architecture, after keeping its newer replacement around for several years.
Apple has been reminding users to update their Apple Home app and jump over to the new HomeKit architecture. It announced that support for the older version of Apple Home will end on February 10, 2026.
You will be prompted to update to the latest version if you are part of a home that contains at least one smart home accessory, such as a HomePod, Apple TV, or smart light bulb Apple said. Such reminders will appear in the Home app, the Settings app, or as emails. However, your Apple Home app may also update automatically if you"re running an older version.
The Home app has been available since 2016, and Apple rebuilt its underlying smart home architecture alongside major design upgrades in iOS 16. Support for the Matter smart home standard was also added to iOS 16 in a later software update, unlocking a variety of accessories for Apple Home users.
Among the upgrades, the new Apple Home improves smart home accessory performance and adds features including guest access, support for robot vacuums, and Activity History. Apple has introduced features such as Adaptive Temperature and hands-free unlocking on the iPhone through recent updates.
To update the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, tap on the More button (three dots) > Home Settings > Software Update. Your Apple device will only work with the updated Apple Home if it"s running iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, or watchOS 9.2 or later.
Apple notes that all homes you have in the app will be updated simultaneously, and the message "This home and all accessories are up to date" will appear once the job is complete.