Apple has confirmed that support for the older Apple Home architecture will officially end on February 10, 2026. The company is phasing out the legacy framework introduced under HomeKit in favor of its faster and more reliable smart home system launched with iOS 16.4. This final cutoff gives users just a few more months to upgrade before older devices lose access to the Home app and automations stop working.
The transition marks the end of a long overlap between the old and new architectures. When the updated framework first arrived in late 2022, users reported significant bugs that caused Apple to temporarily withdraw it before releasing a reworked version in March 2023. Since then, the newer architecture has stabilized and delivered noticeable improvements in speed, responsiveness, and reliability for HomeKit and Matter accessories.
Initially, Apple had planned to discontinue support by fall 2025. The revised February 2026 deadline provides a short extension rather than a full delay, giving hesitant users time to prepare. Devices running earlier software versions such as iOS 16.1 or macOS 13.0 will no longer be able to connect once the change takes effect. The new Home system requires at least iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2 to function.
Apple says the updated Home architecture brings tangible upgrades beyond stability. Users gain access to features such as guest access, robot vacuum cleaner support, and Activity History. Smart homes with multiple accessories, especially those using both HomeKit and Matter devices, will experience smoother and faster operation. However, one change may affect some setups: iPads can no longer act as home hubs. Only Apple TV and HomePod now support that role.
To upgrade, users must open the Home app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, tap the More button, select Home Settings, then choose Software Update. Tapping “Update Now” upgrades all homes linked to the same account at once. After completion, the message “This home and all accessories are up to date” confirms that the transition succeeded. Apple notes that it may also push automatic updates closer to the cutoff date.
The timing of this shift aligns with ongoing rumors of new Apple TV and HomePod models expected to launch with Apple Intelligence and a more advanced version of Siri. By retiring the outdated Home architecture, Apple is preparing its ecosystem for tighter AI integration and a unified smart home experience across all devices.
