Samsung SmartThings starts supporting Matter 1.2

Samsung SmartThings is finally bringing Matter 1.2 support to users. The new compatibility will allow for more complex devices like refrigerators and vacuum cleaners to be controlled via Matter.

Matter 1.2 was originally announced in late 2024. It builds on the basic, foundational capabilities of controlling devices outside of an established ecosystem. The early implementation meant that devices like light bulbs and switches could be controlled because they only required an “on” or “off” state to be transmitted over Matter’s data highways.

However, the new standard brings more exciting devices to the game. Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, robotic vacuum cleaners and washing machines can be controlled with Matter 1.2, even if you connect these devices to a completely different ecosystem.

Today, Samsung announced that SmartThings has been certified for the Matter 1.2 SDK. The devices listed above and others are now compatible with Matter and are configured via SmartThings. Generally speaking, if one of these more complex devices says “SmartThings” on the box, they can be used with other Matter 1.2-compatible ecosystems.

This is a really huge step, because Samsung produces a lot of products that are at the higher end of the market. Their line of refrigerators and dishwashers are generally well made and feature some really cool technology. However, this technology is only truly relevant if users can connect these devices to the ecosystem of their choice. Not everyone who buys a Samsung refrigerator wants to use SmartThings.

The transition to Matter 1.2 will theoretically enable the use of these devices from ecosystems such as Google Home or Apple HomeKit.

In addition to these changes, Samsung is also rolling out shared routines and changing the Device Control user interface on Galaxy devices. According to Samsung, the new user interface will feature larger device cards and the ability to create new home pages that will only feature the devices users want.

Samsung didn’t mention when the new Device Control page would be available or show off the new user interface. It’s unclear whether this new design will be introduced with a new version of Android, in a One UI update, or something else. It probably won’t launch with the new Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Flip 6 when they’re announced in a few days.

In any case, it will be interesting to see what SmartThings develops into.