TL;DR
Apple is reminding Home app users that support for the older Home architecture ends on February 10, 2026. Users who haven’t migrated must update the Home app and any devices to supported OS versions or they will lose access until those devices are updated.
What happened
Apple introduced a new Home app architecture in 2022 intended to improve accessory reliability and enable additional features. Initially the migration to the new system was optional and required users to approve the change manually. A migration deadline was first set for fall 2025, then pushed to February 10, 2026. Apple has begun sending reminder emails urging remaining users to complete the update before that date. According to Apple’s support guidance, the process is performed from the Home app by going to Home Settings and choosing Software Update, then following on-screen prompts. The company also warns that devices running older operating system releases will lose access to homes that have been upgraded until those devices themselves are updated. Separately, industry reports mention a rumored smart-home product push from Apple, with possible new hardware arriving in the spring, but that remains unconfirmed.
Why it matters
- Homes migrated to the new architecture may become inaccessible from devices that run older OS versions until those devices are updated.
- People invited to control a home can also lose access if their devices do not meet the listed OS requirements.
- Completing the upgrade is required to keep using the updated Home features and accessory management beyond the deadline.
- Apple’s reminder comes ahead of reported smart-home hardware plans, which could tie into the upgraded platform.
Key facts
- Apple rolled out a new Home app architecture in 2022 to improve reliability and enable new features.
- The migration deadline was initially scheduled for fall 2025 and later moved to February 10, 2026.
- Apple has started emailing users to remind them to update before the February deadline.
- The update is started from the Home app: More > Home Settings > Software Update > Update Now.
- Devices must run recent OS releases to access an updated home: iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, or watchOS 9.2 or later.
- Any device connected to an updated home that doesn’t meet those OS requirements will lose access until it’s updated.
- The migration was originally optional and required manual approval when introduced.
- Reports suggest Apple may release multiple new Home hardware products around March, though that is a rumor.
What to watch next
- February 10, 2026 deadline for ending support of the older Home architecture.
- Whether remaining Home app users complete the manual migration before the cutoff.
- Rumored Apple Home hardware arriving in March — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Home app: Apple’s app for managing smart-home accessories, scenes, and automations across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch.
- HomeKit: Apple’s framework that allows developers and device makers to integrate smart-home accessories with Apple platforms and apps.
- Software update: A process that installs new software or system changes on an app or device to add features, fix bugs, or improve security and compatibility.
- OS version requirements: Minimum operating system releases required on a device to access certain platform features or services.
Reader FAQ
When does support for the old Home app architecture end?
Apple set the deadline for February 10, 2026.
How do I upgrade my Home app to the new architecture?
Open the Home app, go to More > Home Settings > Software Update, then select Update Now and follow the prompts.
Will devices on older OS versions still work with an updated home?
No. Devices not running iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, or watchOS 9.2 or later will lose access to an updated home until they are updated.
Is Apple releasing new Home hardware tied to this migration?
Not confirmed in the source.
Rumor Replay: iPhone Fold’s crease-free display, and more Ryan Christoffel Jan 8 2026 HOMEKIT APPLE HOME Apple says Home app upgrade deadline is fast approaching Ryan Christoffel | Jan 9 2026…
Sources
- Apple says Home app upgrade deadline is fast approaching
- Apple Delays Home App Update Requirement Until …
- Apple Warns Users To Upgrade Now To Avoid Smart …
- Apple Home Could Finally Get the Upgrade I've Been …
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