Update Accessory Firmware in iOS 16 Home App

With the release of iOS 16 and its updated smart home architecture, managing connected devices is more centralized than in previous versions. This guide explains how accessory firmware updates are triggered directly inside the iOS 16 Home app, covering both the native update dashboard for Matter-compatible hardware and the notification system for legacy HomeKit accessories.

How to Check and Trigger Updates

To manually check for and trigger firmware updates for compatible accessories in iOS 16, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Home app on your iPhone running iOS 16.
  2. Tap the More button (represented by three dots inside a circle) in the top-right corner of the screen.
  3. Select Home Settings from the dropdown menu.
  4. Tap Software Update.
  5. If an update is available for an accessory, it will appear in the list. Tap Update next to the specific device or select Update All to trigger the installations simultaneously.

Automatic Firmware Updates

The Software Update menu also includes an Automatic Updates toggle. When enabled, your Home hub (such as an Apple TV or HomePod) will automatically download and install firmware updates in the background during off-peak hours, provided the accessories support background installation.

Matter Accessories vs. Legacy HomeKit Devices

The capability to download and install firmware directly within the Home app primarily applies to Apple devices (HomePods, Apple TVs) and accessories operating on the Matter standard.

For legacy, non-Matter HomeKit accessories:

  • The Home app can detect when a firmware update is available and will display an "Update Available" status on the device's tile or within its settings card.
  • Tapping the update alert will typically direct you to launch the manufacturer's proprietary third-party app (such as Philips Hue, Eve, or Nanoleaf) to complete the installation, as legacy HomeKit architecture leaves the actual distribution of proprietary firmware to the vendor's software.