Thank your stars if you did not upgrade the Home app's architecture in iOS 16.2. Photo: Apple
With iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1, Apple introduced a new architecture for the Home app. Following issues reported by early adopters, the company has pulled the upgrade option altogether.
The new Home app architecture promises improved performance and reliability. It was an opt-in upgrade, with users getting the option when they opened the Home app after installing iOS 16.2.
New Home architecture in iOS 16.2 is off to a buggy start
Apple never detailed the new Home architecture in iOS 16.2. It only mentioned that it brought “improved performance and reliability of the accessories in your home.” It was also an optional upgrade, with Apple allowing users to switch to the new architecture later.
Sadly, users who switched have not had a pleasant experience so far. As spotted by MacRumors, users reported their HomeKit accessories getting stuck in “updating” or “configuring” status, the inability to invite other users, missing devices, and more. It is unclear what is causing these issues.
Following these complaints, Apple has revoked the option to upgrade the Home architecture in iOS 16.2. You will no longer get the upgrade option in the Home app.
You cannot roll back to the Home app’s older architecture
Once you switch to the new architecture, there’s no way to downgrade to the previous one. So, if you are facing issues with your HomeKit accessories after the upgrade, there’s not much you can do.
Apple recommends updating all your devices to the latest OS or firmware release before upgrading to the new Home architecture. It is possible that some devices are facing compatibility issues with the underlying changes leading to these issues.