HomeKit Update Deadline Draws Near
HomeKit architecture update that is announced in 2022 will now be the only supported version, as the previous version will no longer be supported starting on Feb 10, 2026. There were mixed receptions initially about the update process itself. But having gone through them years ago myself, I can safely say most known issues have been ironed out.
From what I can gather, the new HomeKit architecture is meant to change the mesh styled network to a hub-centered one. On previous architecture, when a device queries for the status of all connected IoT devices, the device itself had to do it. The exceptions, as I understand it, were when there were proxies involved: hubs, relays, and/or cloud systems. Whereas in the new system, an actual hub — Apple TV or HomePod — controls all the IoT devices, and the queries made from the user only has to ask the hub. In practical terms, so long as the connection from the hub to an IoT device is reliable, the new HomeKit will be faster than the previous version. Hence, why we also lost iPad as a possible hub candidate as it is a mobile device.
An argument could be made against lock-in effect from having to buy an additional hub, but seeing as Apple doesn’t release actual IoT devices itself (e.g. lights, switches), I’m not certain it would affect anyone in particular. Many of my devices that support HomeKit already support either Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or other Korean varieties, and the devices can still be paired with other systems simultaneously.

Comments will be automatically closed after 30 days.