New Homekit architecture? Was that what? Yes, actually with iOS 16.4, users should move to an improved basis of Apple’s smart home system. However, not everyone did that. With iOS 18.6 it now looks like the end of the old system is approaching. However, there were indications in earlier iOS-18 versions that Apple begins forced migration.
Partially automated change
As Apple now writes in internal code information in the latest beta of iOS 18.6 Macrumors discovered Has, the end of the old Homekit variant will now come “in autumn”. “Support for your current version of Apple Home ends in autumn this year. Some devices will be updated automatically at this time, others have to be updated manually. You can now carry out the update to avoid interruptions when using your devices, automation and important notifications,” are the sentences.
This would be the first time that Apple announces a compulsive change to the new Homekit architecture. So far, this has always had to be initiated manually. The hint shows that this will also remain in part, but it is conceivable that not updated devices will then lose their compatibility. In autumn iOS 26 is provided, so it is conceivable that the ultimate switch to the new Homekit architecture will also take place. It offers some improvements, including the control speed – however, it was not a huge throw in terms of reliability.
Rollout went wrong at first
At first, Apple had great difficulty to bring the new Homekit architecture to the users. The first version came out at the end of 2022, but sometimes disturbed smart home networks massively. It was then until March 2023 before Apple had fixed the mistake and started a new attempt.
With the new architecture, the group promises, among other things, a faster address of devices, if there are many of them in the network, provides an activity history and other innovations. iOS 16 or MacOS 13 are minimum requirements.
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