Hands-On Apple 218: Critical HomeKit Update

Host: Micah Sargent
Date: February 12, 2026

Main Theme Overview

This episode of Hands-On Apple focuses on a pivotal, mandatory update to Apple’s HomeKit/Home app ecosystem. Host Micah Sargent explains what the HomeKit update means for users, walks through the process of updating, and highlights the new features and requirements, especially regarding the discontinuation of older HomeKit support after February 10, 2026.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Shift in HomeKit Architecture

• Apple’s Changing Home System:
  “Apple is making a final and full change to the home system. If you use any HomeKit items or Apple home items, then you are probably going to want to check out your settings.” (03:10)
• History and Reasoning:
  • Introduction of Matter for improved cross-compatibility
  • The need for a new architecture as technology evolved
  • End of support for previous HomeKit versions as of February 10, 2026 (04:30)

2. Why the Update Is Critical

• Essential to maintain access to HomeKit features
• Required for:
  • Guest access
  • Robot vacuum control
  • Activity history monitoring within the Home app (04:50)

3. Devices & Compatibility Requirements

• Update Prerequisites:
  • All devices must be running at least iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, or watchOS 9.2
• Family/Friends Devices:
  • Everyone with shared Home access must also update, or they’ll lose Home access (06:00)
    “If they do not have those versions of the software running, get them going on that first.” (06:15)

4. How to Update HomeKit

• Prompting the Update:
  • Home app will notify users if they're on an outdated version
  • Might be missed or appear in different application sections (06:40)
• Manual Update Path:
  • Home app → Three dots (top right) → Home Settings → Software Update (08:00)
• Quote:
  “All you have to do is go into the settings, find software update and then from there hit that update button and you’re good to go.” (09:15)

5. After the Update: Features and Options

• Settings Overview:
  • Activity: See how people use Home devices
  • Energy: Connect utility account, view grid forecast for cleaner energy
  • Home Hubs/Bridges: Shows all devices acting as hubs (ex: HomePods, Apple TVs)
  • Intercom: Setup multi-room intercoms via HomePods
  • Safety & Security: Enable/disable systems
  • Sensors: Configure notifications
  • Speakers & TVs: Control options for those on the same network
  • Vacuums: Manage notifications for robot vacuum cleaners (10:00 - 13:30)
• Quote:
  “Home Hubs and Bridges show you all devices bridged or serving as your home hub. We’ve talked about home hubs before, so I won’t go into that.” (11:20)

6. Additional Features

• Integrated Voice Assistants:
  • Example: Ecobee thermostat with “Hey Siri” support (13:45)
• Matter Accessories Support:
  • Control from anywhere for compatible devices
• Sound Check:
  • Normalizes volume across HomePod playback
• Scenes:
  • Suggested automations (e.g. “goodbye,” “good night”)
• Visual Customization:
  • Home Wallpaper selection
• Location Services:
  • HomePod may provide home location data to the app (15:00)

7. Key Reminder & Call to Action

• Most Important Step:
  • Update now to avoid loss of access and critical notifications
• Contact for Issues:
  • “Let me know if you run into any issues you can reach me. Micahwit TV is how you get in touch.” (16:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the importance of updating:
  “This episode is about something important that you need to know... that is the end support date for the previous version of Apple Home. You need to have your home updated in order to be able to use features like guest access, robot vacuum cleaners, and activity history.” (04:15)

• On software requirements:
  “Any of the devices connected to an updated home that doesn’t use iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, or watchOS 9.2 or later, those are all going to lose access.” (05:40)

• On troubleshooting:
  “If you’re not seeing the prompt, all you have to do is go into the settings, find software update and then from there hit that update button and you’re good to go.” (09:15)

• On energy features:
  “Energy lets you, if it’s a supported location, connect your energy account and also see what the grid forecast is, meaning when energy sources for electricity are cleaner rather than not cleaner.” (12:15)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:10: Apple’s HomeKit architecture change explained
• 04:30: End of support date (Feb 10, 2026) for legacy HomeKit
• 06:00: Software version requirements for all users
• 08:00: Step-by-step HomeKit update instructions
• 10:00–13:30: Walkthrough of new and improved Home settings/features
• 16:10: Closing reminder and contact information

Tone & Style

The episode is clear, instructional, and user-focused, with Micah Sargent maintaining an approachable, supportive tone. The language is direct, practical, and peppered with reassuring tips, aiming to make tech transitions less intimidating for all users.

Summary Takeaway

Users of Apple HomeKit must urgently update their Home app and all related devices to retain key smart home features, due to a major architecture overhaul completed on February 10, 2026. The episode provides step-by-step guidance and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.

For any questions or issues with the update, listeners are encouraged to reach out to Micah at “Micahwit TV.”