Apple is set to kill off the old HomeKit Tuesday, and users are being told to update their home app by February 10, or risk losing access to their smart devices.
The shift in architecture marks a significant change for Apple's smart home platform, which was revamped with iOS 16.4 last year. The new system offers improved performance and reliability, as well as support for the Matter smart home standard.
But users who fail to upgrade will be cut off from their devices unless they take action. iPads are no longer supported as hubs, and phones and other devices must run a minimum of iOS 16.2 or macOS 13.1/watchOS 9.2 to function.
Apple is phasing out the old HomeKit architecture, which was originally launched in 2013. The company had previously announced that it would end support for the system by the end of last year, but the deadline has now been pushed back.
To avoid losing access to their smart home devices, users must update their Apple Home app before February 10. They can do this by going to Settings and following the prompts to complete the update. Alternatively, if they are using a HomePod or Apple TV as part of their smart home setup, they may be automatically upgraded.
The new system has been welcomed by experts, who say it brings increased performance and reliability to the platform. However, for users who fail to adapt, their devices will become useless, highlighting the importance of keeping up with technological changes.
The shift in architecture marks a significant change for Apple's smart home platform, which was revamped with iOS 16.4 last year. The new system offers improved performance and reliability, as well as support for the Matter smart home standard.
But users who fail to upgrade will be cut off from their devices unless they take action. iPads are no longer supported as hubs, and phones and other devices must run a minimum of iOS 16.2 or macOS 13.1/watchOS 9.2 to function.
Apple is phasing out the old HomeKit architecture, which was originally launched in 2013. The company had previously announced that it would end support for the system by the end of last year, but the deadline has now been pushed back.
To avoid losing access to their smart home devices, users must update their Apple Home app before February 10. They can do this by going to Settings and following the prompts to complete the update. Alternatively, if they are using a HomePod or Apple TV as part of their smart home setup, they may be automatically upgraded.
The new system has been welcomed by experts, who say it brings increased performance and reliability to the platform. However, for users who fail to adapt, their devices will become useless, highlighting the importance of keeping up with technological changes.
. Like, can't they just leave HomeKit alone? I get it, updates are necessary, but do we really need to lose access to our devices if we don't update ASAP? It's not like they're asking us to upgrade to a whole new system, just the old one... and honestly, I'm kinda relieved that iPads aren't being used as hubs anymore 
. But at the same time, I get why they're doing it - improved performance and all that jazz 
. Still, can't we have a more gentle transition period or something? February 10 is like, only a few weeks away...
Apple is literally kicking out the old HomeKit system & anyone who doesn't update their home app by Feb 10th risk losing access to their smart devices 
that's so stressful! I feel like they're forcing us to upgrade our tech game 
the new system with Matter support is a big deal, and I'm all for getting rid of the old stuff that's been around since 2013 
what's crazy is how much tech has evolved in just 2 years & it's making us stay on our toes 
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. Apple's giving people till Feb 10th to update or they're toast. iPads aren't even gonna be supported anymore as hubs 
. It's like, if you can't keep up with the latest updates, what's the point of even having a smart home setup? 
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. I know how frustrating it can be when you're not sure if your old stuff is still compatible with the new software. It's like, don't get me wrong, progress is important, but let's also be real, some of us aren't tech wizards 
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. But hey, at least Apple is giving people a deadline, right? That way we can plan ahead and not feel too overwhelmed 
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... like, I get that new tech is better, but some ppl might not have gotten around to updating yet? Or maybe they're still using those old iPads as hubs? 
. Guess we'll just have to wait and see how this new system plays out... 
so now Apple is gonna cut us off if we don't upgrade our home app by feb 10, like who has time for that? and iPads are already being phased out as hubs? really? it's like they're trying to force us into a new world without giving us any breathing room 
what's going on with my old homekit setup 
got my homepod too 
and apparently it'll auto-update... fingers crossed 
that this update is going to be super smooth, no major bugs or issues... fingers crossed! But let's be real, people gotta take responsibility for updating their devices on time. It's like when you get a new phone and you're all excited, but then the warranty runs out after 6 months lol. You gotta keep up with the times, especially when it comes to smart home tech. I'm curious to see how this new system plays out, though - I've heard great things about the Matter standard 
. Can't they just leave it alone and give us a bit more time? But at the same time, I guess it's good that they're finally updating to something better 
the thing is, if you dont upgrade, you'll be stuck with useless devices... thats kinda scary 
i mean, we all know tech changes are coming but apple is just making it super clear now 
so, make sure to update your app and stay in the smart home game! 
anyway, i guess its good they're pushing people to upgrade. it keeps everything running smoothly and secure 
improved performance & reliability can only be good news for users who update ASAP