Close Menu
Advertisement

The Ambient is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commision. Learn More

Apps and Software

How to upgrade to the new Apple Home Architecture

Paul LamkinBy 3 Mins Read
apple home hubs homekit
(Image credit: The Ambient)

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Apple launched its new Home architecture a couple of years back now, telling us that it represented a significant overhaul of the HomeKit framework, aimed at bolstering the reliability and efficiency of smart home management.

Introduced initially with iOS 16.2 in lates 2022 – but subsequently pulled due to some teething issues – it was re-released with iOS 16.4 in February 2023.

For most Apple Home users, it’s not something to worry about, or even need to be aware of, with the changes all in the background effectively updating how HomeKit devices communicate.

The big objective was to create a more stable and responsive Apple Home system experience, especially for homes with a large number of connected devices, and hopefully you’ve noticed some improvements in the past couple of years if you’ve updated.

If you haven’t upgraded yet though, you will have to act soon. It’s being reported that with the release of iOS 18.4, Apple will begin to require users to upgrade to the new HomeKit architecture.

Advertisement

But don’t panic. We’ve got you covered. Here’s how to update to the latest version of the HomeKit architecture…

What you’ll need

  • An iPhone / iPad / Mac
  • A Home Hub – Apple TV or HomePod
  • The latest software running on everything

The short version

  • Fire up the Home app
  • Navigate to the settings and choose to update software
  • Download new software and install it

Upgrade Apple HomeKit architecture

update-homekit-architecture
(Image credit: The Ambient)

Time needed: 5 minutes

  1. Open the Home app on either an iPhone or iPad, or using the Mac Home app.

  2. Tap the More button.

  3. Select Home Settings.

  4. Choose Software Update.

  5. Confirm the update.

You might find that, in the background – if you have auto-update options switched on, on your Apple devices – then the upgrade would have already happened.

Advertisement

If that’s the case, you’ll see a message after choosing Software Update that says: “This home and all accessories are up to date.”

FAQs

What do I need for the new Home architecture setup?

The latest Apple software on everything. An Apple TV or HomePod setup as a HomeKit hub. iPads are no longer able to act as hubs.

Wasn’t there trouble with this before? Is it fixed?

Yes, but those early hiccups are now fixed. iOS 16.4 onward is stable. Upgrade now, or soon you will have to

What’s the point of the new Apple Home architecture?

Faster, more reliable HomeKit. Think less lag, fewer glitches, especially with lots of devices. Basically, a smoother smart home.

Share:
Paul Lamkin

Paul Lamkin

Paul is a smart home enthusiast who has more voice assistants in his house than people. Paul launched Wareable in 2014, after working for a variety of the UK's biggest and best consumer tech publications including Pocket-lint, Forbes, Electric Pig, Tech Digest, What Laptop and T3. Prior to founding Wareable, and subsequently The Ambient, he was the senior editor of MSN Tech and has written for a range of publications. Paul is a self-confessed geek and has been accused of being both an Apple 'fanboy' and a Google 'fandroid' - so at least you know that his bias is balanced. Paul, along with James Stables, turned Wareable into the Wareable Media Group when they launched sister site The Ambient, back in 2018. In mid-2019 they added a third site to the portfolio when Get Sweat Go was launched and, in 2023, the company was acquired by Candr Media Group, of Trusted Reviews fame.

Related Posts