Apple to Sunset Legacy HomeKit Tomorrow

If you haven’t made the switch to the new Apple Home yet, be aware that your smart home devices might stop functioning in the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch starting tomorrow. As of February 10, 2026, Apple will discontinue support for the original HomeKit architecture.

The most significant impact will be on users who still rely on an iPad as their Apple Home Hub, which is essential for remote control and automation of devices. In the updated Apple Home, iPads are no longer viable as hubs; you’ll need a HomePod or Apple TV to take on that role. Additionally, the new architecture mandates that your phone and any connected devices must be running iOS 16.2 or later (or macOS 13.1/watchOS 9.2 or higher).

To avoid any disruption in managing your smart home, it’s crucial to update your Apple Home. Simply head to Settings in the Home app and follow the prompts to complete the update. After February 10, Apple indicates that you may be automatically upgraded.

The new Apple Home architecture was fully rolled out with iOS 16.4 in 2023, representing a complete overhaul of the platform. It promises enhanced performance and reliability, along with support for Matter, the new smart home standard that Apple played a key role in developing, building on HomeKit as a foundation.

While upgrading has been optional since the new platform’s launch, Apple announced last year that it would phase out the old HomeKit architecture by the end of 2025. Although that deadline was extended, it is now upon us.