The transition from HomeKit to Apple Home is more than a cosmetic tweak. Since its introduction in 2014, HomeKit has referred to Apple’s underlying framework for smart home accessories, while Apple Home encompasses both the app and the broader ecosystem. The term “HomeKit” carries a technical connotation, which may not resonate with casual users. By adopting “Apple Home,” the company appears to be emphasizing simplicity and accessibility, potentially making its smart home platform more approachable for a wider audience. This move could also signal preparations for new smart home hardware, such as an updated home hub expected later this year.
Evidence in tvOS 26
The rebranding is evident in specific changes within the tvOS 26 Settings app. For example, a prompt that previously read, “Your Apple TV won’t connect with iCloud and HomeKit until you add a new default user,” now states, “Your Apple TV won’t connect with iCloud and Apple Home until you add a new default user.” These updates, first noted by Israeli website The Verifier and confirmed by MacRumors contributors, indicate a deliberate effort to phase out the HomeKit name. However, Apple’s website and software still retain numerous HomeKit references, suggesting the transition is ongoing rather than complete.
A Broader Smart Home Strategy
This naming shift aligns with Apple’s broader efforts to unify its operating systems under a consistent design and branding strategy. tvOS 26, set to launch this fall, introduces a “Liquid Glass” interface with translucent, floating elements, mirroring updates in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26. The rebranding of HomeKit as Apple Home could be part of this cohesive vision, especially as Apple prepares to introduce a new Apple TV 4K model and potentially a dedicated smart home hub. Rumors of a homeOS platform, hinted at in WWDC 2025’s “Sleek peek” tagline, further suggest Apple is rethinking its smart home approach to compete with rivals like Amazon and Google.
Thread 1.4 Support Enhances Connectivity
Beyond branding, tvOS 26 introduces support for Thread 1.4, a protocol update that enhances smart home connectivity. Discovered in the beta by Matter Alpha, Thread 1.4 allows Apple TV devices to join a single mesh network, resolving issues with competing Thread networks from different manufacturers. This upgrade enables direct internet access for Thread devices, paving the way for features like smart shades adjusting based on weather or lights syncing with real-time data. As Apple TV 4K and HomePod models serve as Thread border routers, this update strengthens Apple’s smart home ecosystem, making it more robust and interoperable.
Implications for Users and Developers
For users, the shift to Apple Home could simplify interactions with smart home devices, presenting a more unified interface across Apple’s platforms. Developers, meanwhile, benefit from Thread 1.4’s improved network visibility and testing tools, which streamline the integration of smart home accessories. While Apple has not fully retired the HomeKit name, the gradual replacement in tvOS 26 suggests a long-term strategy to consolidate branding. As Apple gears up for new hardware and software releases, users can expect a more seamless and intuitive smart home experience, potentially rivaling the capabilities of competing ecosystems.
Looking Toward the Future
The rebranding of HomeKit as Apple Home, combined with Thread 1.4 support, positions Apple to strengthen its foothold in the smart home market. With a new Apple TV 4K expected later this year, featuring enhanced processing power, and rumors of a dedicated homeOS platform, Apple appears to be laying the foundation for a more integrated smart home experience. While the transition is still in progress, these changes reflect Apple’s commitment to refining its ecosystem, making it more user-friendly and competitive in an increasingly crowded market.
