February 8, 2026, 7:20 am | Read time: 3 minutes
In a connected home, many things run automatically. From bed, the bathroom light is turned on via iPhone, the heating kicks in, and the coffee machine starts in the kitchen. But suddenly, nothing responds. Voice commands have no effect, automations stop, and devices are visible in the Home app but can no longer be controlled. What initially seems like a brief outage can soon become a permanent limitation. Apple warns that users must act to retain access to their smart home. Without a timely switch, central functions may be lost.
Apple Sets a Clear Deadline
Apple is drawing a clear line with its smart home system. As noted on the support page, the company is permanently discontinuing the previous technical foundation of the Home app. Instead, Apple requires a switch to a new home architecture. Starting February 10, users who have not made the switch will face noticeable limitations. In the worst case, access to important functions of the connected home will no longer be possible. Apple makes it clear that the old solution has no future.
The decision is not surprising. Apple has been pursuing this strategy for several years. Since 2022, the company has positioned Apple Home as a central Matter controller. Matter is a smart home standard that connects devices from different manufacturers. This opens Apple’s system more to various smart home products. However, the old HomeKit architecture comes from a time when Apple primarily relied on its own closed system. This technical basis was increasingly unsuitable for modern smart home standards.
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Two Architectures in Parallel
After initial problems, Apple permanently introduced the new home architecture at the end of March 2023. Since then, two technical systems have existed in parallel in the Home app. Users could postpone the switch, perhaps out of caution or due to incompatible devices and older Apple hardware. However, those who stayed with the old architecture had to forgo new features. These included guest access, a detailed activity log, and the integration of vacuum robots. Additionally, users repeatedly reported that Matter products did not function reliably on the old platform.
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With the set end date, the transition phase ends definitively. Those who wish to continue using Apple Home must actively enable the new architecture. The update is done directly in the Home app. First, open the app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Then, select the More button with the three dots at the top and open the home settings. If multiple households are set up, the correct home must be selected first. Then, go to “Software Update.” Tap “Update Now” and follow the displayed steps.
These Requirements Must Be Met
To make the switch, all devices that control or access Apple Home must be up to date with the latest software. On the iPhone, at least iOS 16.2 is required; on the iPad, iPadOS 16.2. On the Mac, macOS 13.1 or newer is needed. Apple TV and Apple Watch must also be updated and use at least tvOS 16.2 and watchOS 9.2, respectively. During the transition, the connected home may respond with temporary limitations. Only after confirmation in the Home app is the new architecture fully active and Apple Home fully usable again.