What you need to know
- Code found within iOS 16 confirmed that the iPad will no longer be supported as a HomeKit hub.
- HomeKit users will now need an Apple TV or a HomePod mini to act as their hub.
Want to use your iPad to run your HomeKit house? Apple has some bad news for you.
Spotted by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, Apple has confirmed that the iPad will no longer be supported as a HomeKit hub when iPadOS 16 launches this fall. The company will display a warning for users in the Home app that alerts them to the change:
As discovered in iOS 16 code by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, Apple says that the iPad will no longer be supported as a home hub. This information will be displayed in the Home app after updating to iOS 16."A home hub is required to take advantage of features like receiving accessory notifications and allowing other people to control your home. You will not be able to view shared homes until those homes are also upgraded to the latest HomeKit. iPad will no longer be supported as a home hub."
If you've been using an iPad as your HomeKit hub up until now, you'll want to plan on making the switch before you install Apple's latest software updates on your devices this fall. Thankfully, there are two devices that can serve as your HomeKit hub: the Apple TV and the HomePod mini.
It's not surprising to see Apple remove the iPad as a HomeKit hub option, especially now that it has the HomePod mini and Apple TV together. Both of those devices are ones you obviously expect to leave in your home as opposed to the iPad which really serves more like a portable device you take with you outside of your home.
If you're on the hunt for an Apple TV or HomePod mini after reading this, check out our list of the Best Apple deals for Prime Day to grab some savings on your new HomeKit hub!
Bottom line: Apple is preaching to the choir with this one, a tremendous speaker for its price and size, but only for those who are already invested in Apple's ecosystem of products and services.
