Following the release of iOS 18.5, Apple has made a change to one of its support pages that hints at a new feature we’ll see in iOS 19. However, in this case, it’s not exactly a good new feature. But it’s not exactly a bad one either. Many users probably won’t even notice.
Over two years ago, Apple released iOS 16.2 with a major update to the Home app . This is the app used to configure and control all of your HomeKit-enabled smart accessories.
This new feature will change the internal workings of the Home app, improving performance and making HomeKit devices “even more efficient and reliable.” However, several users reported bugs and issues, and Apple discontinued the feature, later maintaining it as a fallback option. Upon entering the Home app, you can choose to update to the new system or continue as before.
Update the Home app to improve the performance of your home automation accessories and use features like guest access, robot vacuums, and Home app activity history.
A new feature of iOS 19 has been confirmed
But this is going to change, starting with iOS 19. Apple has confirmed that starting this fall, the previous version of the Home app will stop working, and all users will have to update to the new one. With iOS 19 scheduled to be released in September, as it is every year, it seems clear that the new iPhone operating system will not be compatible with the previous version of the Home app.
Support for the previous version of Apple Home will end in fall 2025. Update now to avoid disruptions to your accessories and automations.
If you’ve accessed the Home app recently, you’ll see a prompt to update to the new version. We now recommend doing this before iOS 19 arrives at the end of the year. It’s not something you’ll notice, though; you might find that you’ll be able to access your home automation devices more quickly. If you don’t, the Home app will automatically update when you update to iOS 19.
We already know quite a few things about iOS 19. Everything indicates that it will bring with it one of the most significant redesigns in the history of the operating system, comparable to the visual leap of iOS 7. A complete renewal of the interface and the main applications is expected, including new icons (which could be round for the first time), more transparent menus with buttons inspired by visionOS,a nd a general aesthetic update across all system apps.
In addition, Apple will significantly strengthen its commitment to artificial intelligence. Siri will become smarter thanks to its own language models, with features like personal context and advanced app integration. Google’s Gemini AI could also be added. Another major innovation would be the arrival of Stage Manager for the iPhone, offering a multitasking interface when connected to an external display via USB-C, allowing it to be used almost like a computer.
