SmartThings could get Matter 1.6 support for easier device setup and operation

As reported, Samsung is part of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, and its SmartThings hub already supports Matter 1.5. The jump to 1.6 would bring a batch of improvements designed to cut the friction out of adding and controlling devices across different brands and platforms.

Setup Without the Struggle

The biggest practical win here is two-way NFC commissioning. Previously, tapping your phone to a new device might start the setup, but you’d still need Bluetooth to finish it. Now, the entire process can happen through NFC alone. This means you could configure a smart plug or bulb while it’s still in the box, or tap to pair a high-up fixture without balancing precariously. For anyone doing a bulk install of new lights or switches, this is a quiet revolution in convenience.

There’s also a neat feature called Thread Direct. Even if you don’t have a dedicated Thread Border Router, like the one built into a recent Samsung TV, you can still set up new Thread-based devices directly through your smartphone’s radio. It’s a helping hand for those just starting to build out their connected home.

Your Devices, Your Choice of App

A common headache in a mixed-brand home is device loyalty. Set up your smart air conditioner with Google Home, and it might feel stuck there. Matter 1.6 introduces “Joint Fabric,” which essentially lets multiple controllers—like SmartThings, Google Home, or Apple Home—share administration of the same devices on a single network. In plain terms, if you start with one app but later prefer another, you won’t be locked in. Your devices become more platform-agnostic, which puts you back in control of how you manage your home.

Smarter Climate, Not Just Cooler

The update also brings more intelligent climate control communication. Instead of ecosystems simply commanding your thermostat to hit a specific number, they can now make suggestions. If you’re in a utility program that asks for a temperature adjustment during peak hours, your system can handle that request intelligently—maybe delaying it if you’re in the middle of something. And if you manually change the setting yourself, that human input is recognized as the priority. It’s a shift from brute-force control to a more collaborative, responsive relationship with your home’s systems.

For SmartThings users, this potential integration means your whole-home dashboard could soon handle setup and multi-platform sharing with less hassle. It’s less about spec sheets and more about making your daily routine smoother—whether you’re adding a single sensor or orchestrating a house full of devices from different makers. The goal of connected living is to simplify, and this update leans heavily in that direction.