We’re updating which Apple platforms the House Assistant Companion app helps, and since transparency is core to how we work, we need to be upfront about what’s altering.
Beginning with model 2026.8.0 of the Companion app, we are going to not assist iOS 15, watchOS 8, or macOS 11. The final supported model for these platforms will probably be 2026.7.1.
Right here’s all the pieces you have to know:
Why we’re making the change
At House Assistant, we’re dedicated to serving to you utilize your units for the lengthy haul. We all know your {hardware} is one thing you depend on daily, which is why we attempt to hold the Companion app operating on older units for so long as attainable. Nevertheless, supporting older OS variations indefinitely comes at a value, limiting our potential to adapt to fashionable expertise.
From September this 12 months, Apple’s developer instruments will formally cease supporting watchOS 8 and macOS 11, making it technically troublesome for us to maintain constructing for them. With lower than 1% of our customers presently operating these older OS variations, this replace permits us to future-proof the Companion app for the overwhelming majority of our group.
By focusing our efforts on present working system variations, we are able to hold our codebase maintainable for the long run. This shift removes some long-standing constraints, since older OS variations had been limiting our potential to make UX, stability, and efficiency enhancements, together with including options reminiscent of Apple Watch problems and extra superior widgets.
What this implies for you
A recap of what’s altering:
- The final Companion app replace for these platforms will probably be model 2026.7.1.
- After model 2026.7.1, the minimal supported variations for the Companion app will probably be iOS 16.4, watchOS 9, and macOS 12.
Importantly, this doesn’t imply your older iOS units will turn out to be unusable. You’ll be able to nonetheless management your property utilizing the House Assistant frontend in your gadget’s internet browser, which stays absolutely supported and receives common month-to-month updates.
The final suitable Companion app model (2026.7.1) will even stay out there on the App Retailer, and the supply code will keep accessible on GitHub for any customers who need to compile the app themselves.
Wanting forward
This replace means a stronger, extra succesful Companion app for everybody going ahead, and it’s a part of how we hold House Assistant evolving. We recognize your understanding and assist by this transformation, and are wanting ahead to constructing what’s subsequent.
