We’re updating which Apple platforms the Residence 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 likely be 2026.7.1.
Right here’s all the things it’s essential to know:
Why we’re making the change
At Residence Assistant, we’re dedicated to serving to you utilize your gadgets for the lengthy haul. We all know your {hardware} is one thing you depend on each day, which is why we attempt to hold the Companion app operating on older gadgets for so long as attainable. Nevertheless, supporting older OS variations indefinitely comes at a value, limiting our capability to adapt to trendy know-how.
From September this yr, Apple’s developer instruments will formally cease supporting watchOS 8 and macOS 11, making it technically tough 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 capability to make UX, stability, and efficiency enhancements, together with including options resembling Apple Watch issues and extra superior widgets.
What this implies for you
A recap of what’s altering:
- The final Companion app replace for these platforms will likely be model 2026.7.1.
- After model 2026.7.1, the minimal supported variations for the Companion app will likely be iOS 16.4, watchOS 9, and macOS 12.
Importantly, this doesn’t imply your older iOS gadgets will grow to be unusable. You’ll be able to nonetheless management your property utilizing the Residence Assistant frontend in your gadget’s net browser, which stays absolutely supported and receives common month-to-month updates.
The final appropriate Companion app model (2026.7.1) may also stay obtainable 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 Residence Assistant evolving. We admire your understanding and assist via this variation, and are trying ahead to constructing what’s subsequent.
