In spite of previously confirming that iPadOS 16 will not support the iPad as a home hub, the Cupertino tech giant has reverted that claim and said that the iPad will not lose support but some functionality.
The new iPadOS 16 is packed with new features and performance improvements and for an enhanced smart home experience, the update includes the new Home app with redesigned UI, support for Matter standard to offer a wider range of smart home accessories, and more.
However, in the code of, iOS 16 beta 2, developer Steve Moser found that iPad will not be supported and Apple confirmed his discovery in a statement which reads:
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.
iPad as the home hub will not receive new Home app features on iOS 16 and iPadOS 16
To remotely access and control HomeKit devices via the Home app, Apple allows users to set up HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV, and iPad as home hubs. Users can also grant access to close friends or family to their smart home devices through the home hub.
Contrary to previous claims, the iPad will continue to work as a home hub but with limitations on iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. According to Apple’s new statement to The Verge, the iPad as a home hub will not receive new iPadOS 16 features and users will continue to enjoy “all existing” capabilities.
“Alongside these releases, the Home app will introduce a new architecture for an even more efficient and reliable experience. Because iPad will not be supported as a home hub with the new architecture, users who rely on iPad for that purpose do not need to update the Home architecture and can continue enjoying all existing features.”
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