Continuing to use Apple Home app without Apple TV or HomePod after forced upgrade

Question

Level 1

4 points

Continuing to use Apple Home app without Apple TV or HomePod after forced upgrade

Hi, I keep messages on my iPhone telling me to update Apple Home, and that I will be forced to do so this autumn.

I currently use my iPad Pro as my home hub, I understand I won’t be able to if I upgrade. I have an Apple TV app on my Android TV so do not need a physical box, and I’ve no interest in buying a HomePod, I have a network of Alexa’s around the house we are happy with.

Feels like a cynical ploy by Apple to get people buying more devices. How can I continue to use the Home app once I have upgraded, without an Apple TV box or a HomePod?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Apple Home Upgrade

Posted on Aug 7, 2025 07:48 AM

Reply

Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

277,729 points

Aug 7, 2025 12:29 PM in response to R1ch_P

See this support article from Apple: Update Apple Home - Apple Support. It seems to be unequivocal. In particular:

To share control of your home and receive Home notifications on the latest version of Apple Home, you must set up a home hub, such as an Apple TV or HomePod. Apple TV software on an android device won't do.
iPad is not supported as a home hub on the latest version of Apple Home.

Your Apple home will break come the unspecified date. You will either need to purchase an Apple TV or HomePod if you wish to continue using the Home app, or you can migrate your smart devices to Amazon/Alexa.

tt2

Reply

Answer 2

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,166 points

Aug 7, 2025 08:21 AM in response to R1ch_P

I wasn’t aware the home architecture upgrade will be forced soon. If so, then no you cannot use the iPad as a Hub. The upgrade has been around for a couple of years now. Eventually all devices become outdated as technology advances and it’s this way with every tech company. The cheapest option if you want to continue to use Apple HomeKit would be a HomePod Mini as a Hub.

Reply