Apple has removed the option to upgrade to the new HomeKit architecture on devices running iOS 16.2. The change follows multiple reports of problems and issues with the Home app after the upgrade was installed.
Apple spokesperson Emily Ewing confirmed the change in a statement provided The edge:
“We are aware of an issue that may affect users’ ability to share home in the Home app. A fix will be available soon. In the meantime, we have the option to upgrade to the new Home architecture temporarily removed. Users who have already upgraded will not be affected.”
The new Home app architecture was one of the key features of iOS 16.2, with Apple claiming the upgrade would be “more reliable and efficient.” MacRumors discovered for the first time this week that the Home app in iOS 16.2 no longer offers the option to upgrade to the new architecture within the Home app settings. Various reporters The edge have also confirmed that the upgrade option is not available on their devices.
The new architecture was first introduced in the iOS 16.2 beta in October as an optional upgrade ahead of the December 13 public release of iOS 16.2. Both the beta and public release required Apple devices to be signed in to iCloud to use the latest versions of iOS, macOS, and tvOS. The upgrade does not happen automatically when iOS 16.2 is installed on a phone, but requires a manual process through the Home app.
The update has caused issues with missing devices and adding multiple users for some
Reddit users who downloaded the optional upgrade before it was removed reported problems like the app that launches other members from a Home account and can’t re-add them. Users on the MacRumors forum have reported being unable to invite users to share the home, HomeKit devices crashing and displaying an “update” status, and some accessories disappearing completely from the Home app. Users who have already upgraded cannot revert to the previous version of the app.
Update, December 23, 2022, 2:15 PM ET: Added confirmation and statement from Apple spokesperson. Added links to Apple’s updated support pages.
