From the accompanying text of iOS 16 beta 2 know MacRumors to assume that Apple is removing an important smarthome function from the iPad with the arrival of iOS 16. Users who currently use their iPad as a HomeKit hub will soon have to look for another solution for this.
No HomeKit hub
With iOS 16, Apple introduces a newly designed Home app (Home app), which is more efficient and reliable for controlling all kinds of smart home products. This can of course always be controlled with an iPhone or iPad, but the iPad will soon no longer be used as a hub. Only the Apple TV and the HomePod are suitable for this.
Apple has not yet given a reason for the change, but it may have to do with the arrival of Matter. The new smart home standard that allows products from different brands to communicate with each other gives manufacturers the option of choosing Ethernet WiFi or Thread. As Apple for Thread chooses various older devices as hubs. Only the Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) and the HomePod Mini support Thread.
