Another day brings more change in the world of smart home technology, as Belkin announces the end of technical support for its legacy Wemo products. This announcement signifies a significant shift for many, as the associated app will cease support by January 31, 2026. This move will affect a wide range of devices, including smart plugs, light switches, bulbs, baby monitors, and various home appliances.
In a communication to its users, Belkin explained the need to redirect its focus. “This decision was not made lightly,” the company stated. “Since launching Wemo in 2011, we’ve been dedicated to offering innovative and user-friendly smart home accessories. However, with evolving technology, we must allocate our resources to other areas of the Belkin business.”
The announcement has acknowledged the disruption this may cause to users’ daily routines, and Belkin has offered a partial refund for products still under warranty by the cutoff date. Importantly, devices configured for Apple’s HomeKit will continue to operate without Wemo’s cloud services. However, features that rely on these services, such as remote access and voice controls, will be disabled.
The company also made it clear that technical support, firmware, and software updates will cease after the cutoff date. This trend of discontinuing support for older tech products, often without an apparent technical necessity, seems to be gaining traction. It allows companies to concentrate on more profitable ventures, as hinted by Belkin.
Google recently followed a similar path, ending support for its older Nest Learning Thermostats. By October 2025, first and second-generation Nest models will lose their connected features and compatibility with apps, effectively turning them into non-smart devices.
Incentives like offering discounts on newer models can cushion the blow, yet it forces users to upgrade sooner than they might wish. For companies like Google, this approach minimizes legal risks by showing proactive efforts to support users through transition periods.
As for Belkin, those invested heavily in Wemo could feel the impact, particularly if they aren’t eligible for compensation. While a list of affected devices has been shared, it’s worth noting that Wemo’s Thread-based products will remain unaffected and continue to work with Apple’s HomeKit as usual.
