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iOS 18.4 will force users to upgrade to the latest HomeKit architecture

Users of iOS 18.4 will likely be required to upgrade to the newer HomeKit architecture.

Apple is set to discontinue support for the older version of its HomeKit architecture, meaning that users will be forced to upgrade with the release of iOS 18.4.

On Monday, Apple released the third developer beta of iOS 18.4. While the operating system itself doesn't include any surface-level changes, its code indicates that a significant change could soon affect users of the Apple Home app.

Back in November 2022, with the launch of iOS 16.2, Apple introduced an updated version of its HomeKit architecture, which delivered significant speed and performance upgrades for HomeKit accessories. The new and improved HomeKit architecture caused problems for some users, which is why it was withdrawn in December 2022 and re-introduced in February 2023 with the release of iOS 16.4.

The upgrade itself was entirely optional, and many users chose not to upgrade to the latest HomeKit architecture to ensure the continued operation of their existing HomeKit accessories. As 9to5mac reports, however, this arrangement could soon change, as code from the third developer beta of iOS 18.4 indicates that Apple wants to make the new HomeKit architecture a mandatory upgrade.

Specifically, strings within the operating system contain new warnings, informing users that they need to "update now to avoid interruptions" as support for the older HomeKit architecture "will end soon." This ultimately means that all users will likely be forced to upgrade the HomeKit architecture in their Apple Home app, rendering older smart home accessories inoperable.

The change might roll out as part of the iOS 18.4 update, which will be available to the general public in April. Though the planned Apple Intelligence upgrades for Siri were delayed, iOS 18.4 will introduce a variety of other meaningful changes, including an Apple Vision Pro app, new emoji characters, and more.

6 Comments

ihatescreennames 20 Years · 2000 comments

I held off from upgrading to the new HomeKit architecture for quite a while. I had heard about people having difficulties with it and didn’t want to bother. I figured the longer I waited the better off I’d be. I finally did it in the fall of 2024. It was relatively painless and I’ve had no issues with the new architecture. 

2 Likes · 0 Dislikes
loopless 17 Years · 352 comments

I don't think there is any evidence that the new HomeKit architecture will make "older smart home accessories inoperable". Nothing in my home , which included some fairly old accessories , had any issues.


I switched over fairly early to the new  architecture and my only issue at the time was with my family joining my "Home" via invitations. 

HomeKit seems very solid now.

5 Likes · 0 Dislikes
clexman 16 Years · 222 comments

loopless said:
I don't think there is any evidence that the new HomeKit architecture will make "older smart home accessories inoperable". Nothing in my home , which included some fairly old accessories , had any issues.

I switched over fairly early to the new  architecture and my only issue at the time was with my family joining my "Home" via invitations. 

HomeKit seems very solid now.

I came here to say the same thing.

4 Likes · 0 Dislikes
daven 17 Years · 737 comments

Are any AppleTV or HomePod versions unsupported by the new system?

1 Like · 0 Dislikes
mike1 11 Years · 3465 comments

When I upgraded, after the reintroduction, the performance and reliability of my complete setup improved significantly. Far fewer "No response" messages than in the past.

2 Likes · 0 Dislikes