Apple's Home App Update Causes Widespread Issues, Leading to Pull and Addition to Internal Database

Apple's latest update to its Home app, released as part of iOS 16.2 earlier this month, promised to bring users faster and more reliable performance. But it looks like the update has caused problems for many users, so the company has pulled it and put it in a database of hardware and software problems.

The widespread problems caused by the update have forced Apple to pull the upgrade, stating that it will be made available again in the future once the issues have been fixed. In the meantime, the Cupertino-based company has provided instructions for users experiencing issues to follow in an attempt to resolve the problems.

The new architecture, according to Apple, improves the app's responsiveness, effectiveness, and dependability for managing smart home accessories. Matter attachments are now supported in the Home app as of iOS 16.1.

iOS 16.2's Faulty Home App Upgrade

According to MacRumors, Apple has added the Home app update to its internal database of hardware and software issues, which is a rare move for a software-related problem. The list, which is used by Apple, Apple Stores, and authorized service providers, typically only includes widespread issues faced by customers, with the majority of these being related to hardware. The fact that the Home app update has been added to this list suggests that Apple is taking the issues caused by the update seriously.

According to reports, a significant number of users have experienced issues with their HomeKit devices, scenes, and setups after installing the update. These issues have been severe enough to force Apple to pull the update and advise affected users to follow a set of instructions to try and fix the problems.

Apple Published Support Document

If you are having trouble accessing a home or accepting an invitation in the Home app, there are a few steps you can try to resolve the issue. According to Apple, the first thing to do is open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad running iOS or iPadOS version 16.2 and tap the More button to see a list of homes.

If you are the invited user, you should remove any homes that don't have accessories by tapping on them to select them, tapping the More button, selecting Home Settings, scrolling down, and tapping Remove Home. Apple says that if you have accessories at home but can't get to them, you should contact their support team for help.

Next, both the invited user and the homeowner should restart their iPhone or iPad, as well as any Apple TV or HomePod devices in the home. The homeowner should also go into the Home app and cancel any pending invitations to the invited user by tapping the More button, choosing Home Settings, tapping the guest's name, and tapping Cancel Invitation.

It is currently unclear when Apple will release a fixed version of the update or when it will be made available to users again. In the meantime, affected users are advised to follow the instructions provided by the company in order to try and resolve the issues they are experiencing.

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