Apple HomeKit Is Becoming Apple Home: What It Means and How to Prepare

Josh Perez
Dec 1, 2025
3 min read

A person holding a smart phone with the Apple Home app showing on the screen

If you use an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch to control your smart devices, you’ve probably noticed that Apple’s smart home ecosystem is changing. Apple HomeKit — the name we’ve known for nearly a decade — is evolving into Apple Home. But what does that mean for your existing devices, automations, and how you control your home? Let’s break down what’s happening, why Apple is making this move, and how to get your home ready for what’s next.

What’s Happening: From “HomeKit” to “Apple Home”

Apple isn’t just changing the name — it’s simplifying and strengthening its entire smart home platform.

For years, HomeKit referred to Apple’s underlying smart home framework — the technology that allowed compatible devices to connect and be controlled via the Home app.

Now, Apple is unifying everything under one clear brand: Apple Home.

This shift signals that smart home control is no longer a niche “add-on” but a core part of Apple’s ecosystem — just like iCloud, Health, and iMessage.

You’ll start to see the Apple Home name across device packaging, setup screens, and in the Home app itself as Apple transitions away from “HomeKit” branding.

Why Apple Is Making the Change

The move to Apple Home is part of a bigger strategy: making smart homes simpler, more connected, and more compatible across ecosystems.

Here’s why this matters:

Unified Experience: Apple wants to streamline everything into one seamless system — so there’s no confusion between HomeKit devices, the Home app, or Siri commands.
Better Compatibility with Matter: Apple Home is now fully integrated with the Matter standard, meaning you can connect and control smart devices from other brands (like Google or Amazon) — all from your iPhone.
Improved Automation & Security: Apple has been enhancing the reliability, speed, and privacy of automations, with more local control and stronger encryption between devices.
New Interface and Features: Expect an upgraded Home app with improved room organization, activity history, and deeper integration with Apple devices like Apple TV and the HomePod.

What This Means for Apple Users

If you already use Apple HomeKit devices — good news:👉 Your devices will continue to work.

Apple Home builds directly on the foundation of HomeKit. That means your automations, rooms, and devices will stay intact after updates. However, to take advantage of the new features and integrations, there are a few steps you can take to prepare.

How to Prepare Your Home for the Apple Home Upgrade

Keep Your Devices Updated. Make sure your iPhone, iPad, HomePod, and Apple TV are running the latest iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS versions. Apple often rolls out new Home architecture updates through system software.
Check Device Compatibility. Some older accessories may not support the new Apple Home architecture or Matter integration. Check your manufacturer’s app or website to confirm support.
Enable the New Home Architecture. Apple offers an upgraded “Home architecture” in your Home settings that improves performance and reliability — especially for larger homes or complex setups. You’ll find this under Settings → Home → Software Update.
Add a Home Hub. If you don’t already have one, add a HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV to your system. These act as your central hub, keeping automations running even when you’re away.
Look for Matter-Compatible Devices. As Apple Home continues to expand, Matter devices will be the most future-proof. They’ll connect faster, work across ecosystems, and give you more freedom of choice.

Privacy and Security — Still Apple’s Priority

One thing that’s not changing: Apple’s strong stance on privacy.

All Apple Home communications remain end-to-end encrypted, and your smart home data stays on your devices — not in the cloud. That’s a major advantage for users who want convenience without sacrificing security.

The Bottom Line

Apple Home represents more than just a name change — it’s a major evolution in how Apple sees the connected home.

By embracing Matter and refining its platform, Apple is creating a more open, reliable, and user-friendly smart home experience — one that finally lets devices from multiple brands work together effortlessly.

For Apple users, this transition means a smarter, smoother, and more connected home, with the privacy and simplicity you expect.

If you’re looking to make sure your devices — from locks and thermostats to leak sensors and cameras — are compatible and properly set up, Naples Smart Home Watch can help. We specialize in helping our clients design, upgrade, and monitor their smart home systems, so your home can watch itself, securely and intelligently — whether you’re home or away.