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
13 months ago
Don’t know if I trust it yet..
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ninecows Avatar
13 months 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
13 months 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
13 months 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
13 months 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
13 months ago
Not available again, if already performed when it was first available
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 16 Camera Lozenge 2 Perspective Gray

Five Key Upgrades Coming to iPhone 16

Friday March 15, 2024 1:45 pm PDT by
The iPhone is Apple's top-selling product, and it gets an update every year. In 2024, we're expecting the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro lineup, with an arguably more interesting feature set than we got with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Capture Button All four iPhone 16 models are set to get a whole new button, which will be...
When To Expect New iPads Feature 1

Apple to Announce New iPads on March 26, Rumors Claim

Monday March 18, 2024 4:02 am PDT by
Apple is widely expected to release new iPad Air and OLED iPad Pro models in the next few weeks. According to new rumors coming out of Asia, the company will announce its new iPads on Tuesday, March 26. Chinese leaker Instant Digital on Weibo this morning 日发布%23">claimed that the date will see some sort of announcement from Apple related to new iPads, but stopped short of calling it an...
airpods 3 orange

Two New AirPods 4 Models Expected to Launch in September or October

Sunday March 17, 2024 7:56 am PDT by
Apple suppliers will begin production of two new fourth-generation AirPods models in May, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Based on this production timeframe, he expects the headphones to be released in September or October. Gurman expects both fourth-generation AirPods models to feature a new design with better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C...
iphone se 4 modified flag edges

iPhone SE 4 Expected to Depreciate Heavily

Tuesday March 12, 2024 9:04 am PDT by
Resale value trends suggest the iPhone SE 4 may not hold its value as well as Apple's flagship models, according to SellCell. According to the report, Apple's iPhone SE models have historically depreciated much more rapidly than the company's more premium offerings. The third-generation iPhone SE, which launched in March 2022, experienced a significant drop in resale value, losing 42.6%...
General iOS 17 Feature Orange Purple

iOS 17.4.1 Update for iPhone is Imminent

Monday March 18, 2024 5:27 am PDT by
iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 should be released within the next few days, with a build number of 21E235, according to a source with a proven track record. MacRumors previously reported that Apple was internally testing iOS 17.4.1. As a minor update for the iPhone, it will likely address software bugs and/or security vulnerabilities. It is unclear if the update will include any other changes. ...
iOS 17 Passkey With Apple ACCOUNT Feature

'Apple ID' Expected to Change to 'Apple Account' Starting With iOS 18

Sunday March 17, 2024 7:13 am PDT by
MacRumors was first to report that Apple was planning to rebrand "Apple ID" to "Apple Account" across its software platforms and websites like iCloud.com as early as this year, and now Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has corroborated this change. A mockup of the new Apple Account branding In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the new "Apple Account" branding will start to be used later this...
M3 iPad Feature 3

New iPads Likely to Begin Shipping in April

Monday March 18, 2024 9:52 am PDT by
Apple's new iPad Pro models with OLED displays will likely begin shipping to customers in April, according to information shared today by Ross Young, CEO of display industry research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also said the new iPad Pro models might not ship until "deeper" into April in his Power On newsletter on Sunday:I've repeatedly said that new...