Overview
- Apple is emailing holdouts with a second notice that support for the earlier Apple Home architecture ends on February 10, 2026.
- Users who don’t upgrade risk blocked Home app access, broken accessories and automations, and missing security and performance updates.
- The upgrade can be started in the Home app by going to Home Settings, selecting Software Update, and tapping Update Now; if the app reports everything is up to date, no action is needed.
- Apple says any device not on at least iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, or watchOS 9.2 will lose access to an updated home until it is updated, including invited users’ devices.
- Apple highlights features tied to the new architecture such as guest access, Activity History, and support for robot vacuums, while some reports indicate iPad will no longer serve as a home hub after upgrading.