iOS 18.4 could force the new architecture for the Home app
Apple’s upcoming iOS 18.4 software update will require you to update your smart home and installed accessories to a new architecture for the Home app.
Apple first attempted to roll out a new Home app architecture with the release of iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4 and macOS Ventura 13.3 in March 2023, promising more reliable and efficient performance. A banner in the Home app encouraged folks to upgrade to the latest smart home architecture. Many people declined the offer because of the numerous problems that early adopters reported. According to new findings, however, the new architecture might be mandatory when iOS 18.4 drops.
9to5Mac discovered strings in the iOS 18.4 code suggesting that support for the old Home architecture has been removed from the update, indicating Apple will force the new architecture on all users who haven’t updated to it yet. iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4 are scheduled to launch publicly in early April.
iOS 18.4 will force the new architecture for the Home app
“Support for your current version of Apple Home will end soon,” reads one of the code strings discovered. “Update now to avoid interruptions with your accessories and automations.” The need to “update now to avoid interruptions” indicates that the new Home architecture will be required to continue using HomeKit devices.
Given the complaints when Apple first rolled out the new Home architecture alongside iOS 16.2 in December 2022, I’m unsure whether that’s a smart idea. The problems were so bad that Apple had to pull the new architecture, re-enabling it a few months later with the release of iOS 16.4 in March 2023.
I personally haven’t experienced any hiccups even though I upgraded my smart home, but many folks complained that updating to the new Home architecture brought chaos to their smart home appliances. Some devices would stop working altogether, with others responding to commands intermittently or not at all
Worse, many smart home accessories were stuck in an endless loop, showing an “updating” or “configuring” status. Other problems included devices disappearing from the Home app, HomeKit Secure Video being unable to record, failed home sharing invites, etc. Apple worsened the situation by preventing downgrades from the new to the old Home architecture for those who experienced problems.
The benefits of the new Home app architecture
Apple’s support page clarifies that the new home architecture is “more reliable and more efficient,” especially for homes equipped with many smart home devices. Apple wrote in the official iOS 16.2 release notes that the update enables the new Home architecture, which brings “improved reliability and efficiency of communication between your smart home accessories and Apple devices.”
It’s also entirely possible that the code strings 9to5Mac discovered are just a plumbing work of sorts, and that Apple will actually start enforcing the new Home kit architecture on iPhone owners when iOS 19 drops in September.
Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/03/11/apple-ios-18-4-home-app-architecture/
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