Apple to Discontinue Original HomeKit Architecture on February 10, 2026

On Tuesday, Apple will be ending support for its original HomeKit architecture, meaning that users who fail to update their smart home devices by then may no longer be able to access them through the Home app on their iOS devices or Macs. This change is expected to affect iPad users most notably, as they can no longer rely on their device to serve as an Apple Home Hub and control their devices remotely. In its place, Apple will introduce a new architecture that requires devices connected to your Home to be running the latest version of iOS, namely 16.2, in conjunction with an updated HomePod or Apple TV acting as the central hub. This shift is part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to modernize and optimize its smart home ecosystem, bringing it more in line with the capabilities and features of newer devices.