Belkin is ending support for most of its Wemo smart home devices, a move that will shut down the Wemo app and cloud services and significantly reduce the functionality of many popular smart plugs, switches and sensors.
The change takes effect at the end of January, so you have only a few days to migrate compatible devices or start planning for replacements.
You can see the full list of affected devices on Belkin's support page. Once support ends, features that rely on the cloud -- including remote access, schedules and integrations with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant -- will stop working. Those Wemo devices will no longer function as "smart" products, even if the hardware still powers on.
Since Belkin will also stop releasing firmware updates, affected devices won't receive bug fixes or security improvements.
Belkin's decision highlights a growing issue in the smart home world: Devices can stop being "smart" long before the hardware wears out.
Apple Home users get a limited lifeline
The Wemo Video Doorbell (pictured) is another Belkin device that's losing support. Belkin Wemo
There is one major exception. Some Wemo devices that are compatible with Apple Home and HomeKit can continue working after the Wemo app shuts down, but only if you migrate them before the end-of-support deadline.
"Since the Wemo app will be ending, it's very important that users switch to Apple Home/HomeKit by the end of the month," says CNET smart home editor Tyler Lacoma. "Belkin has a long-term partnership with Apple, so for compatible devices, that transition is usually pretty simple."
However, Lacoma warns that older Wemo products may not support Apple Home at all.
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