iOS 18.4 Could Force Users to Upgrade to Latest HomeKit Architecture

[MacRumors]

Apple is expected to release iOS 18.4 in early April, and when it does, users with HomeKit devices still running on the old Home app architecture may be forced to upgrade them to the latest software.

Apple has offered users the option to upgrade to new Home architecture since March 2023 when it released iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, and macOS Ventura 13.3. At the time, Apple said the new architecture brings faster, more reliable performance, especially for smart homes with a lot of smart accessories installed.

However, not all users were entirely convinced of its stability, mainly because it was actually the return of the update's availability after Apple temporarily pulled it in December 2022. Apple's decision came after reports of HomeKit devices becoming stuck in an "updating" or "configuring" status, devices going missing entirely, invitations to share the Home with other users failing, HomeKit Secure Video recording not working, and more.

Apart from the above issues, many users opted not to install the update because the new architecture breaks support for the Home app on devices running older versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. However, code in iOS 18.4 beta 3 unearthed by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris suggests Apple is going to end support for the original HomeKit architecture. Code strings include the warning "Support for your current version of Apple Home will end soon. Update now to avoid interruptions with your accessories and automations."

It's not clear if the policy will immediately come into effect when iOS 18.4 is officially released next month, but the existence of the code strings is telling, suggesting that iOS 19 almost certainly won't support the old HomeKit architecture when it arrives in September.

Article Link: iOS 18.4 Could Force Users to Upgrade to Latest HomeKit Architecture

 

[airwalk331]

This is annoying. I feel like there’s zero chance this is going keep my automations etc in line and I’ll basically have to redo everything.

I just hope all the home stuff works now. My devices never seem to know which one I’m talking to. That seems like a basic thing for this “home” ecosystem, right??

 

[dmr727]

The 'new architecture' was just as problematic for me. Apple has been rudderless with this stuff since the get-go and nothing seems to be improving.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

My primary HomeKit devices are the Lutron Controller and the Thermostat. As long as it works after the upgrade, I’m okay.
Then I have some TVs that support HomeKit, but I don’t really used them as much anymore.

 

[xmarcuswildx]

Only way to make HomeKit useful has been homebridge. The fact that so many devices can’t be used natively is aggravating. Works with EVERY OTHER SMART HOME SET UPS/HUBS.

Nope not Apple. Gotta basically jailbreak it to get it work.

“Something something security!”

It’s a damn light switch.

 

[orbital~debris]

At some point, you gotta upgrade your hardware, and your software.
By now, it's baked in to life.

 

[Reverend Benny]

Using Ikea stuff and homepodspeakers with HomeKit and it has been working great. Started using HomeKit with iOS 17 so I guess I haven't been affected by this.

 

[b17777]

I upgraded a long time ago and never had any issues with it.

 

[Rychiar]

there's people that haven't done this yet ?

 

[AppleTO]

I don’t think any of my smart devices natively work with the Home app. I just use the device’s apps.

 

[dustin.haley]

There’re a lot of negative responses to this, but pretty much after the initial rollout issues, there have been no issues for almost everyone it seems.

I think consolidating and not maintaining two different architectures will only improve things going forward, not make it worse.

 

[klasma]

If conversely my HomePod minis auto-update and force me to upgrade to iOS 18, I think I'm going to sell them and go Google Nest or something.

 

[ChrissyJ]

Apple is expected to release iOS 18.4 in early April, and when it does, users with HomeKit devices still running on the old Home app architecture may be forced to upgrade them to the latest software.

Apple has offered users the option to upgrade to new Home architecture since March 2023 when it released iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, and macOS Ventura 13.3. At the time, Apple said the new architecture brings faster, more reliable performance, especially for smart homes with a lot of smart accessories installed.

However, not all users were entirely convinced of its stability, mainly because it was actually the return of the update's availability after Apple temporarily pulled it in December 2022. Apple's decision came after reports of HomeKit devices becoming stuck in an "updating" or "configuring" status, devices going missing entirely, invitations to share the Home with other users failing, HomeKit Secure Video recording not working, and more.

Apart from the above issues, many users opted not to install the update because the new architecture breaks support for the Home app on devices running older versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. However, code in iOS 18.4 beta 3 unearthed by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris suggests Apple is going to end support for the original HomeKit architecture. Code strings include the warning "Support for your current version of Apple Home will end soon. Update now to avoid interruptions with your accessories and automations."

It's not clear if the policy will immediately come into effect when iOS 18.4 is officially released next month, but the existence of the code strings is telling, suggesting that iOS 19 almost certainly won't support the old HomeKit architecture when it arrives in September.

Article Link: iOS 18.4 Could Force Users to Upgrade to Latest HomeKit Architecture

I upgraded to the new architecture shortly after it was first released. No issues at all. All my devices, scenes and automations carried over and things definitely work much better than before. I don't really think this is going to be a big deal for anyone.

 

[matttarantino]

This makes sense with whats rumored to be coming (HomeHub, Doorbell, etc)

 

[roguester]

My lights currently work with the current version of HomeKit and has great integration with Siri.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

How can you tell if you've upgraded or not?

 

[headlessmike]

I was hesitant to update but did so a few months ago. I can't tell the difference, which for me is a good thing because everything that worked before still works the same.

 

[Adora]

Reminds me of when I had to throw out two devices, an iPhone and a Mac of my Apple ID when activating "iCloud Advanced Data Protection".

The list said they need to be upgraded to a higher version of iOS and macOS before.

The problem was, both didn't support upgrades anymore. I can only say for the iPhone that 16.x was minimum too and it was on 15.x. The MBP was on High Sierra and many years behind anyway. I removed them before upgrading iCloud Security.

In the list was no hint that the devices can't get those updates. No problem for me. Many people don't know this.

But even I was sursprised I couldn't use the App Store with the old login too anymore. So I rolled all back and did it again a little later.

 

[contacos]

didnt even know there was the choice. I figured it automatically upgraded X iOS releases ago

 

[coolfactor]

Sad, but understandable. Home automation, in general, has had a bumpy road, but we're moving in the right direction.

 

[MVMNT]

Did you hear Sony pushed out a PS3 update recently?

 

[machpost]

This is annoying. My 10 year old iMac works perfectly fine for my needs but can't be upgraded past MacOS Monterey, so presumably I'll no longer be able to use it with Homekit after I upgrade.

 

[Moukee]

For me HomeKit actually worked a lot better after the upgrade, but obviously some people are reporting the opposite. I also eventually upgraded to a Thread-enabled Apple TV that's connected via Ethernet and that basically fixed the rest of the issues I had with HomeKit itself (not relying on a HomePod as the primary bridge device for Thread accessories).

 

[PsykX]

The new architecture was overall a large improvement for me in terms of stability.
However, I have an automation when I leave my home that never worked anymore, because one device is most often than not offline (a smart light bulb, but we sometimes turn off the switch).

 

[azentropy]

It was nice to be able to use older iPads as a controllers or even use it as a hub.