HomeKit and iOS 16.2: Problems after switching to the new build

HomeKit device owners who have completely ported their system to iOS 16.2 & Co. For difficulties in using the device. Apple had previously promised to create a “new infrastructure” for its smart home standard. This improves “the performance and reliability of the accessories in your home,” according to the company. The opposite is the case for affected users: their devices are temporarily unavailable or completely on strike. So, some users have already set up their entire HomeKit network from scratch.

Requirements for the “new architecture”

Many users may not be connected to the “new architecture” at all. Reason: Every Apple HomeKit device must be up to date — that is, all iPhones (iOS 16.2), iPads (iPadOS 16.2), Macs (macOS 13.1), Apple Watches (watchOS 9.2), Apple TVs (tvOS 16.2) and HomePod and HomePod mini (HomePod OS 16.2). If only one of the devices isn’t updated—for example, if you’re still using a Mac with Monterey—the update won’t be suggested on the new build. If all devices are updated, the option to update will appear in the Home app. You should start specifically.

Apple has so far maintained a lack of attention to what specifically will change. But it goes beyond the introduction of the article. HomeKit is not the most reliable platform in the world, so some users may be tempted to update. But this doesn’t always seem to work. The first error that occurs starts with the update itself: it sometimes hangs. However, at first, you have to be patient, sometimes the problem resolves on its own. Other users are reporting that their device is no longer available after an update – a reinstall was necessary, usually in connection with a hardware reset. This can be very annoying in large HomeKit networks, especially since Apple still doesn’t plan to create and restore configuration backups.

Solutions: Want to turn everything off and on again?

A workaround to the problems is to completely turn off all devices in the HomeKit network and then turn them back on — this alone can sometimes be impossible if the device is permanently installed, for example. (Then it helps to pull the fuse flat.) Other users are trying the iOS 16.3 and Co. beta. , but it is still not clear whether it will really help.

It’s also hard to say how common HomeKit problems are — but they’ve been a topic on social media and Apple forums for the past few days. If you can, you should probably wait until the iOS 16.3 update. Users who are still using devices with older versions of software anyway are not offered the “new build” as mentioned. Rejecting the new architecture also ensures that iPads can be used as HomeKit hubs (home hubs).

(BA)