Not lengthy after Apple unveiled iOS 16 and the remainder of its working system updates at its annual Worldwide Builders Convention (WWDC) earlier this month, many seen that the iPad had mysteriously been dropped from the checklist of units that could possibly be used as a HomeKit Dwelling Hub.
Whereas Apple didn’t touch upon this when speaking about HomeKit and Matter on-stage, the high-quality print on Apple’s iOS 16 Options Web page famous that “Solely Apple TV and HomePod are supported as dwelling hubs,” with no point out of the iPad.
With all however essentially the most primary HomeKit setups, it’s essential to have a minimum of one system to behave as a Dwelling Hub to run automation routines, present distant entry, and deal with options like HomeKit Safe Video.
For years, Apple has allowed this position to be stuffed by an Apple TV, HomePod, or any mannequin of iPad working iOS/iPadOS 10 or later — though iPadOS 13 or later is required for extra superior capabilities, like working Shortcut-based automation.
An iPad can be a good way to arrange a console for controlling dwelling units by putting in it in a wall-mount or table-top stand in a central location in your house. In consequence, many people who had no use for an Apple TV or HomePod relied on an iPad to behave as their dwelling hub and have been alarmed when it seemed like Apple was planning to pressure them to purchase one other system.
Nonetheless, some have been cautiously optimistic, significantly since a few of the dwelling hub necessities on Apple’s iOS 16 pages particularly talked about the Matter commonplace. This steered that an Apple TV or HomePod would possibly solely be required to help newer Matter-compatible units.
Matter equipment require an Apple TV or HomePod working as a house hub.
However, the issues have been amplified when MacRumors reported on code discovered within the second iOS 16 beta revealing a welcome display for the brand new Dwelling app that explicitly stated, “iPad will now not be supported as a house hub.”
Fortunately, the oldsters at The Verge reached out to Apple to search out out precisely what’s happening right here, and whereas the information nonetheless isn’t nice, it’s not as dire as some had feared.
You’ll nonetheless be capable of use your iPad as a HomeKit Hub with iOS/iPadOS 16 to help present performance, however you received’t get any new HomeKit options until you have got an Apple TV working tvOS 16 or a HomePod working HomePod Software program 16.
Apple spokesperson Catherine Franklin instructed The Verge that customers will be capable of use the iPad as a house hub “with no loss in performance,” nevertheless in addition they received’t get any of the efficiency and reliability enhancements that Apple is rolling into HomeKit in iOS 16.
This isn’t nearly Matter help; Franklin explains that the iOS 16 Dwelling app adjustments are extra than simply window-dressing. Apple has constructed a brand new structure below the hood that ought to make HomeKit work higher.
Alongside these releases, the Dwelling app will introduce a brand new structure for an much more environment friendly and dependable expertise. As a result of iPad won’t be supported as a house hub with the brand new structure, customers who depend on iPad for that goal don’t must replace the Dwelling structure and might proceed having fun with all present options.Catherine Franklin, Apple
It seems that updating to this new structure might be elective. Up to now, we haven’t seen any seen indications of this within the iOS 16 betas. It’d occur mechanically if you have already got a supported dwelling hub in your community. Nevertheless, Franklin instructed The Verge that it ought to seem within the iPad Dwelling app’s settings in a later iPadOS 16 replace.
Right here’s how Apple describes this new structure on its iOS 16 Options Web page:
“Enhancements to the underlying structure allow sooner, extra dependable efficiency, particularly for properties with many sensible equipment. Talk with and management related equipment extra effectively from a number of units on the similar time utilizing the Dwelling app.”
This paragraph is considered one of two locations the place a footnote lists the Apple TV and HomePod as the one units that can be utilized as dwelling hubs. The opposite is Matter help.
To be clear, this doesn’t imply you received’t be capable of use the iPad as a house controller. The Dwelling app will nonetheless work as properly on the iPad because it at all times has, so when you’ve got an older iPad mounted in your lobby or on a desk beside your sofa, you may preserve utilizing it. Nevertheless, to reap the benefits of the newer structure and help Matter units, you’ll want so as to add an Apple TV or HomePod to the combination.
Whereas Apple could also be leaving the iPad out of those newest enhancements, there’s one small comfort. All HomePods and tvOS-based Apple TV fashions might be on the identical footing when used as dwelling hubs. This consists of the 2015 Apple TV HD and the unique full-sized HomePod.