On Thursday, Belkin, the consumer electronics company, announced the discontinuation of technical support for its older Wemo products as of January 31, 2026. This decision will also render the app used to control the devices unsupported. The affected devices include smart plugs, light switches, smart bulbs, baby monitors, kitchen appliances, heaters, air purifiers, motion sensors, and more.
Explanation of Decision
Belkin explained in an email to customers that the decision to end support for Wemo products was made to shift focus to other areas of the business. The company expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and assured customers that products still under warranty by the end-of-life date may be eligible for a partial refund. Devices configured for use with Apple’s HomeKit will continue to function without Wemo’s cloud services and app after January 31, 2026.
Impact on Consumers
The termination of the Wemo product line will leave consumers without access to technology that has become integrated into their daily lives. This move is becoming increasingly common in the smart home industry as companies prioritize more profitable ventures. Google, for example, recently announced the shutdown of its older Nest devices to focus on newer models.
Legal and Customer Response
While these decisions may protect companies from legal risks, they can also lead to customer dissatisfaction. Offering customers advanced notice of such changes can help mitigate legal risks, but consumers who heavily invested in Wemo products may feel the impact of this decision. Belkin has provided a list of affected devices and assured that Wemo’s Thread-based products will continue to function through Apple’s HomeKit.
Overall, the discontinuation of smart home products by companies like Belkin and Google raises concerns about the long-term support of smart devices and the implications for consumers who rely on these technologies in their daily lives.
