Apple Pulls iOS 16.2 Option to Upgrade to New Home Architecture

One of the key new features in iOS 16.2 and macOS Ventura 13.1 is the ability to upgrade to a new Home app architecture. While Apple hasn't shared details on exactly what the changes are, the company says the upgrade offers "improved performance and reliability" for HomeKit accessories.

home app architecture update 1
Upgrading the Home architecture requires that all devices accessing the home be updated to the latest operating system version, so many users have yet to take the leap, but users who have upgraded have reported some issues. Amidst those reports, it now appears Apple has removed the option for users to upgrade their Home app architecture.

Issues reported by users include ‌HomeKit‌ devices stuck in an "updating" or "configuring" status, devices going missing entirely, invitations to share the Home with other users failing, HomeKit Secure Video recording not working, and more.

Upgrading to the new Home app architecture is a user-initiated process in the Software Update section of Home Settings in the Home app, and as of a few hours ago, the option to upgrade no longer appears in the app. As a result, users who have yet to move to the new architecture will be unable to do so until Apple reenables the option. Users who have already upgraded will remain on the new architecture and can not revert to the previous one.

Update: Apple has confirmed in a support document that the new Home architecture update has been temporarily removed, and that the option to upgrade "will return soon."

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Top Rated Comments

ersan191 Avatar
31 months ago
I upgraded mine and it works fine - responses are significantly faster and more reliable. Lutron/Eufy/Ecobee/Twinkly/Meross/Sonos/Vizio TV's and everything works great.

Doesn't surprise me that others are having issues though.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Surf Monkey Avatar
31 months ago

Good. My HomePods lose their pairing all the time and randomly don’t work. AppleTV turns on by itself. I’ve got opinions on Apple’s software quality and 16.2 just reinforces those opinions. ?
A steady downward slide is how I’d characterize it. Apple needs to get their software act together. HomeKit isn’t the only 16.X related nightmare.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TonyC28 Avatar
31 months ago
Apple does not take HomeKit seriously and until they do it will be crippled.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
_Spinn_ Avatar
31 months ago
This was one of the features I was most looking forward to but when I heard about all the trouble people were having I held off on upgrading. Seems like I made the right choice.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Surf Monkey Avatar
31 months ago
“Can’t revert.”

Thanks for nothing, Apple.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
brian3uk Avatar
31 months ago
Good. My HomePods lose their pairing all the time and randomly don’t work. AppleTV turns on by itself. I’ve got opinions on Apple’s software quality and 16.2 just reinforces those opinions. ?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)