Apple introduced an updated underlying architecture for HomeKit and the Home app in its iOS 16.2 update, but it was pulled a week after its release due to buggy bugs and installation issues. At the time, Apple said that the removal was temporary and that the update option would be restored “soon.
It appears that Apple is almost ready to reintroduce the updated Home architecture, as the backend code indicates that Apple is preparing a “second version” and testing it internally.
Other than stating that the architecture will be available “soon,” Apple did not provide a specific timeline. The architecture update is likely to appear in the new iOS 16.4 Beta, which is expected to follow the release of iOS 16.3.
With the launch of the second-generation HomePod, Apple did mention that the sound recognition feature in the spring update will require a revamped Home architecture, but we may see this architecture update before sound recognition is released.
Apple says this update improves the reliability and efficiency of communication between smart home accessories and Apple devices.
The first version of the new Home architecture caused some HomeKit devices to go missing from HomeKit settings or to stay in the “configured/updated” state. It also caused invitations to share Home with others to fail and broke some users’ HomeKit security video recordings.
