"If you've been reluctant to update to the new Apple Home architecture, you now have a few more months before Apple forces your hand. Apple has pushed back the deadline to February 10, 2026, rather than fall 2025. The refreshed version of Apple Home has been available for a couple of years now and adds support for the Matter smart home standard."
"One of the biggest reasons for staying on the old architecture is its support for iPads as Home hubs. You can still use your iPad to control your smart home on the new architecture, but you'll need a separate hub device, specifically a HomePod or AppleTV. Unlike both of those devices, the iPad's display allows it to function similarly to a touchscreen smart display, such as Amazon's Echo Show or Google's Nest Hub Max."
"The refreshed version of Apple Home has been available for a couple of years now and adds support for the Matter smart home standard. However, updating has been optional so far. Apple doesn't have a device to fill that void in the new Apple Home - yet. There are rumors that it's planning to launch a smart home display hub in spring 2026, which would be shortly after support for iPads as Home hubs ends."
Apple extended the deadline to migrate to the new Apple Home architecture to February 10, 2026, delaying the previous fall 2025 cutoff. The refreshed Apple Home has supported the Matter smart home standard for a couple of years, but the update has remained optional so far. Many users stayed on the old architecture because it allows iPads to act as Home hubs. Under the new architecture, iPads can control devices but cannot serve as the required hub; a separate HomePod or Apple TV is needed. Apple currently lacks a touchscreen smart-display hub in the new Home lineup. Rumors suggest a smart home display hub could arrive in spring 2026, shortly after iPad hub support ends.
Read at The Verge
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