iOS 16.2 released: new Home architecture, Matter and voice recognition

Yesterday evening, Apple released updates for its own operating systems. Both iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and macOS have received a new version number, as well as tvOS and homePodOS. Apple has a few treats in store for HomeKit users.

Apple Home Architecture Upgrade

The architecture upgrade announced with iOS 16 and previously postponed is now finally available for all users with iOS 16.2. The optional upgrade has to be triggered manually via the Home app and is supposed to bring improved performance and reliability.

The prerequisite is that all devices, including the Home Hubs, run on the latest software versions. This also applies to the devices of invited users, so that they can continue to control the home. Apple provides additional details in the corresponding support document. The Home architecture-upgrade is optional. If you have older devices that you would like to use in Home, but they no longer receive the latest iOS 16.2+, iPadOS, macOS, etc. update, the architecture-upgrade is not recommended.

If you decide not to upgrade, you can continue to use the previous functionality in the future. However, you will not be able to use new features in the future.

Matter

Matter has also continued to move in. The installation of iOS 16.2 & Co. are prerequisites for the integration of Matter devices. This includes participation in Eve Systems’ Early Access Program.

If you want to integrate your Eve Energy, Eve Motion or Eve Door & Window into HomeKit via Matter, you can register for the program after installing iOS 16.2, tvOS 16.2, homePodOS 16.2 and co. After a manual unlock, you will get an access to the Eve app beta and can perform the Matter migration.

At this point, it should be mentioned that there are currently hardly any advantages for HomeKit users. So the program is more for early adopters.

Voice recognition on tv

If you have an Apple TV, you can use Siri with automatic voice recognition on the set-top box with tvOS 16.2. This automatically switches profiles on the Apple TV, accesses the respective music media library or provides tailored video recommendations.