Apple Pulls iOS 16.2 Option to Upgrade to New Home Architecture

One of the key new features in iOS 16.2 and macOS Ventura 13.1 is the ability to upgrade to a new Home app architecture. While Apple hasn't shared details on exactly what the changes are, the company says the upgrade offers "improved performance and reliability" for HomeKit accessories.

home app architecture update 1
Upgrading the Home architecture requires that all devices accessing the home be updated to the latest operating system version, so many users have yet to take the leap, but users who have upgraded have reported some issues. Amidst those reports, it now appears Apple has removed the option for users to upgrade their Home app architecture.

Issues reported by users include ‌HomeKit‌ devices stuck in an "updating" or "configuring" status, devices going missing entirely, invitations to share the Home with other users failing, HomeKit Secure Video recording not working, and more.

Upgrading to the new Home app architecture is a user-initiated process in the Software Update section of Home Settings in the Home app, and as of a few hours ago, the option to upgrade no longer appears in the app. As a result, users who have yet to move to the new architecture will be unable to do so until Apple reenables the option. Users who have already upgraded will remain on the new architecture and can not revert to the previous one.

Update: Apple has confirmed in a support document that the new Home architecture update has been temporarily removed, and that the option to upgrade "will return soon."

Tag: Home

Popular Stories

iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 12 New Features

Thursday January 15, 2026 10:56 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another eight months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models, as of January 2026: The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

These 5 Apple Products Will Reportedly Be Upgraded With OLED Displays

Friday January 16, 2026 7:07 pm PST by
Apple plans to upgrade the iPad mini, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, iMac, and MacBook Air with OLED displays between 2026 and 2028, according to DigiTimes. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that the iPad mini and MacBook Pro will receive an OLED display as early as this year, but he does not expect the MacBook Air to adopt the technology until 2028 at the earliest. A new iPad Air is...
2024 iPhone Boxes Feature

Apple Adjusts Trade-In Values for iPhones, Macs, and More

Thursday January 15, 2026 11:19 am PST by
Apple today updated its trade-in values for select iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models. Trade-ins can be completed on Apple's website, or at an Apple Store. The charts below provide an overview of Apple's current and previous trade-in values in the United States, according to the company's website. Most of the values declined slightly, but some of the Mac values increased. iPhone ...
Apple Wallet ID Illinois

Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States

Friday January 16, 2026 12:12 pm PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

New Leak Reveals iPhone 18 Pro Display Sizes, Under-Screen Face ID, and More

Wednesday January 14, 2026 7:09 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro models are still around eight months away, a leaker has shared some alleged details about the devices. In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo this week, the account Digital Chat Station said the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will have the same 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Consistent with previous...

Top Rated Comments

ersan191 Avatar
40 months ago
I upgraded mine and it works fine - responses are significantly faster and more reliable. Lutron/Eufy/Ecobee/Twinkly/Meross/Sonos/Vizio TV's and everything works great.

Doesn't surprise me that others are having issues though.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Surf Monkey Avatar
40 months ago

Good. My HomePods lose their pairing all the time and randomly don’t work. AppleTV turns on by itself. I’ve got opinions on Apple’s software quality and 16.2 just reinforces those opinions. ?
A steady downward slide is how I’d characterize it. Apple needs to get their software act together. HomeKit isn’t the only 16.X related nightmare.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TonyC28 Avatar
40 months ago
Apple does not take HomeKit seriously and until they do it will be crippled.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
_Spinn_ Avatar
40 months ago
This was one of the features I was most looking forward to but when I heard about all the trouble people were having I held off on upgrading. Seems like I made the right choice.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Surf Monkey Avatar
40 months ago
“Can’t revert.”

Thanks for nothing, Apple.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
brian3uk Avatar
40 months ago
Good. My HomePods lose their pairing all the time and randomly don’t work. AppleTV turns on by itself. I’ve got opinions on Apple’s software quality and 16.2 just reinforces those opinions. ?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)