PSA: Apple Has Made Its New Home Architecture Update Available Again

Apple has made the option to upgrade to new Home architecture available again with the release of iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, and macOS Ventura 13.3, after it temporarily pulled the update in December.

home upgrade available feature
After updating Apple devices to the latest software, users can once again opt to upgrade any homes set up in the Home app to the new Home architecture, which Apple says brings faster, more reliable performance, especially for smart homes with a lot of smart accessories installed.

To perform the upgrade, open the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, tap or click the ellipsis button (three encircled dots), then select Home Settings. Select Software Update, tap or click Learn More under "Home Upgrade Available," then follow the prompts. Users who upgraded previously will not see this option and don't need to do anything, since their Home architecture is already up-to-date.

Ahead of the launch of iOS 16 last year, Apple promised a new architecture for the Home app, and briefly offered it following the release of iOS 16.2. But the option was temporarily pulled after users reported issues such as HomeKit devices becoming 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.

Top Rated Comments

Sydnxt Avatar
10 weeks ago
Don’t know if I trust it yet..
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ninecows Avatar
10 weeks ago
Patiently waiting on other people’s experience about what will happen if I hit that update button…
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
adrianlondon Avatar
10 weeks ago
Note that every device has to be on iOS 16 or MacOS Ventura if you want them to be able to control your home accessories after performing this update.

I'll be skipping it, same as I've had to skip the "unlock Notes with your phone's pin" option as that blocks devices not on iOS 16 from reading them. I was burnt years ago when upgrading Reminders. Learnt my lesson!

(I have a 6S as a backup phone, "stuck" on iOS 15.)
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wenepyru Avatar
10 weeks ago

So I need a HomePod or Apple TV? iPad won't cut it apparently. ?
They removed iPad HomeHub support since iOS 16.1
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pacmania1982 Avatar
10 weeks ago
Well I pressed it and everything still works. We have Eve plugs and Hue bulbs, plus HomePods and Apple TVs.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
the.burn Avatar
10 weeks ago
Not available again, if already performed when it was first available
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)