The upcoming iOS update may require you to upgrade Apple Home.

      Apple

      If you're still utilizing the traditional Home app for HomeKit management, the impending iOS 18.4 update may necessitate a transition to the latest version. Generally, upgrades are positive, but the new architecture of the Home app is not compatible with earlier versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

      This information stems from a piece of code discovered in iOS 18.4, which states, "Support for your current version of Apple Home will end soon. Update now to avoid interruptions with your accessories and automations." The code was identified by X user @aaronp613, an analyst for MacRumors.

      Apple claims that the updated architecture enhances speed and reliability. However, many users have been hesitant to adopt it due to stability issues. Users of HomeKit experienced glitches with the new architecture that hindered the setup of new HomeKit devices and affected the proper functioning of HomeKit Secure Video recording.

      Regardless, the code implies that you may not have much choice in the matter. Apple is set to officially launch iOS 18.4 next month, but it's unclear whether support for the older Home app will end at that time or later. Nevertheless, it is almost certain that iOS 19—anticipated for a September release if Apple maintains its usual timeline—will not support it.

      The timing is especially unfortunate as Apple is currently facing scrutiny over its AI developments, including possible delays regarding its iPad-like smart device. The HomeKit ecosystem has significantly improved in the past year, becoming more functional than in previous years, yet it still lags behind systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Nest.

      Considering these improvements, transitioning to the newer architecture may prove advantageous over time (provided it remains stable). However, the discontinuation of support for older devices is disappointing.

      Patrick Hearn covers smart home technology, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more.

      Apple’s next app may inform you where the party is

      In December, code uncovered in the previously issued iOS 18 beta 2 suggested that Apple intends to introduce a new app tailored for party planning. This app might be revealed to the public by the end of this week, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

      Codenamed "Confetti," the app is anticipated to be an iCloud-based service for managing events and invitations, providing Apple users with a fresh way to invite others to meetings, parties, and various gatherings.

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      iOS 18.4 is approaching: everything known thus far

      This week, Apple released the iOS 18.3 update for compatible iPhones. Although it may not be as packed with features as iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2, this update brought several new enhancements, including refreshed Notification Summaries, improvements to mobile Safari, updates to the Calculator app, and various bug fixes. With this update complete, attention will soon shift to iOS 18.4.

      Even though the forthcoming update has not yet been issued in beta form for developers, some insights into its potential contents are already available.

      A more intuitive Siri

      Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman anticipates that iOS 18.4 will concentrate primarily on a revamped version of Siri that is part of Apple Intelligence.

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      The next iPad may miss out on Apple’s biggest new feature

      Apple Intelligence represents the most significant development Apple has achieved in years — thus it is surprising that the next iPad may lack these features. The iPad 11 is expected to come with the older T8120 processor, implying it will utilize the A16 chipset. Although the A16 chipset is powerful, it does not support Apple Intelligence features at the same level as newer models.

      The iPhone 14 Pro, Pro Max, as well as the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus all utilize this chipset. According to MacRumors, this information is corroborated by a source that opted to remain unnamed; however, it contradicts previous statements by Mark Gurman, who has a more established reputation for reliability.

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