A significant number of Apple HomeKit users have reported severe issues with essential smart home features following a recent iOS update that appears to have caused widespread disruption.

Apple recently rolled out iOS 16.4, which includes a revamped HomeKit architecture. This update reintroduces the architecture that had a problematic debut back in December. Initially released at the end of the year, it was quickly withdrawn due to bugs that left many smart home systems inoperable. Regrettably, it appears that some of these issues persist even with the latest release.

Numerous users have taken to Apple's Community Support forums, Twitter, and Reddit to voice their frustrations. One user lamented, "Experiencing a regression in the HomeKit connections with iOS 16.4 release, exactly as it was in iOS 15. There are certain connected devices (for me, that's Eve light strips and myQ garage door hub) that are not reachable 98% of the time. I must reset them to use them, they work once or twice for an hour, and then go offline once again," shared on April 2. Another user added, "Ever since the update, my devices are getting stuck updating for long periods of time," and reported additional issues including connection problems and AirPlay malfunctions.

HomeKit Stuck in the Mud

Other users have encountered significant problems with automations and scene buttons. "Since installing tvOS 16.4 HomeKit 2 on the Apple TV, only the movement of a HomeKit camera is displayed, but not the picture of the camera in a Picture-in-Picture window. This made this extremely important feature for us completely unusable after the update," complained another user on Wednesday.

Another frequently reported issue involves problems with invites for family members and features like home keys. One Twitter user highlighted a loss of HomeKit notifications, while another described the update as "disastrous," noting that it had severely slowed down their HomeKit smart lights.

However, not everyone seems impacted. One user expressed they were "very pleased" with the 16.4 update, claiming it was better. Another user went so far as to say it was "infinitely more responsive." stated they were quite satisfied with the update.

There have also been reports of specific issues with Tradfri devices.

Given that not all users are experiencing these issues, pinpointing the exact cause remains challenging. If you are facing problems with HomeKit, a recommended starting point is to ensure all your devices are running the latest software versions, and to reboot/reset them where feasible. Unfortunately, those most severely affected report that even these routine troubleshooting steps aren’t enough to resolve the issues. It may require future software updates, like the anticipated iOS 16.4.1, to fully address these concerns. At the very least, if your HomeKit light switch has suddenly malfunctioned, you may now know why.