iOS 18.4 Could Force Users to Upgrade to Latest HomeKit Architecture

Apple is expected to release iOS 18.4 in early April, and when it does, users with HomeKit devices still running on the old Home app architecture may be forced to upgrade them to the latest software.

homekit showdown redux
Apple has offered users the option to upgrade to new Home architecture since March 2023 when it released iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, and macOS Ventura 13.3. At the time, Apple said the new architecture brings faster, more reliable performance, especially for smart homes with a lot of smart accessories installed.

However, not all users were entirely convinced of its stability, mainly because it was actually the return of the update's availability after Apple temporarily pulled it in December 2022. Apple's decision came after reports of 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.

Apart from the above issues, many users opted not to install the update because the new architecture breaks support for the Home app on devices running older versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. However, code in iOS 18.4 beta 3 unearthed by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris suggests Apple is going to end support for the original HomeKit architecture. Code strings include the warning "Support for your current version of Apple Home will end soon. Update now to avoid interruptions with your accessories and automations."

It's not clear if the policy will immediately come into effect when iOS 18.4 is officially released next month, but the existence of the code strings is telling, suggesting that iOS 19 almost certainly won't support the old HomeKit architecture when it arrives in September.

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Top Rated Comments

dustin.haley Avatar
8 months ago
There’re a lot of negative responses to this, but pretty much after the initial rollout issues, there have been no issues for almost everyone it seems.

I think consolidating and not maintaining two different architectures will only improve things going forward, not make it worse.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
b17777 Avatar
8 months ago
I upgraded a long time ago and never had any issues with it.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xmarcuswildx Avatar
8 months ago
Only way to make HomeKit useful has been homebridge. The fact that so many devices can’t be used natively is aggravating. Works with EVERY OTHER SMART HOME SET UPS/HUBS.

Nope not Apple. Gotta basically jailbreak it to get it work.

“Something something security!”

It’s a damn light switch.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Moukee Avatar
8 months ago
For me HomeKit actually worked a lot better after the upgrade, but obviously some people are reporting the opposite. I also eventually upgraded to a Thread-enabled Apple TV that's connected via Ethernet and that basically fixed the rest of the issues I had with HomeKit itself (not relying on a HomePod as the primary bridge device for Thread accessories).
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
airwalk331 Avatar
8 months ago
This is annoying. I feel like there’s zero chance this is going keep my automations etc in line and I’ll basically have to redo everything.

I just hope all the home stuff works now. My devices never seem to know which one I’m talking to. That seems like a basic thing for this “home” ecosystem, right??
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
orbital~debris Avatar
8 months ago
At some point, you gotta upgrade your hardware, and your software.
By now, it's baked in to life.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)