After Apple had to stop the introduction of the new HomeKit architecture in iOS 16.2, the company resumed testing of the platform and reintroduced it in the iOS 16.3 beta.
In December, Apple had the option to update HomeKit to the new architecture, withdrawn, after reports began to mount that the update wasn't working properly for users. Now it looks like Apple will try again with the next OS updates. Notes in the iOS 16.3 beta show a message in the Home app confirming that a "Home upgrade is available" with a "new underlying architecture that will improve the performance of your home." This is the same message that appeared in iOS 16.2 before it was pulled.
New HomeKit architecture seems to get a second chance under iOS 16.3
The notification in the beta is a clear sign that Apple believes that everything is fine with the update and will release it to the public again. During the last attempt, users reported that their devices were stuck in an "updating" mode after updating, with some devices becoming unresponsive or unable to complete the update. At the time, it was unclear what had caused the problems, as there were no apparent commonalities between the reports. With the release of the iOS 16.3 beta, Apple seems confident that it has resolved the issues and is ready to make a second attempt. (Photo by hadrian / Bigstockphoto)
- iOS 16.3: Protect Apple ID with physical security keys
- HomePod: iOS 16.3 beta highlights Handoff feature