Matter has been committed to making smart homes simpler for the past few years. However, anyone who has tried to set up connected devices across multiple ecosystems knows that there is still a lot of friction involved.
The newly announced Matter 1.6 update aims to address some of these lingering issues. We’re introducing changes that make it easier to install and share smart home devices across platforms. The device may also become a little smarter about how it reacts to automation.
One of the biggest upgrades is a new NFC-based setup process that completely removes Bluetooth. Previously, tapping a Matter device on your phone could trigger a Bluetooth Low Energy handshake in the background. This created another potential point of failure in case the connection was dropped.
With Matter 1.6, the entire commissioning process can be performed via NFC. In practice, this means that users can pair compatible devices before installing them. This is an incredibly useful improvement for things like smart light switches and ceiling fixtures. Setup can be done while the device is still in the box rather than after being wired to the wall.
This update also focuses on one of the most common complaints in modern smart homes: juggling multiple ecosystems.
Matter 1.6 introduces a feature called Joint Fabric. This allows platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings to securely manage the same Matter network together. Homeowners will now be able to set up a shared Matter environment once instead of repeatedly sharing devices across apps and platforms. You will then be able to access your device from your preferred ecosystem.
For households where one person lives in an Apple Home and the other person prefers a Google Home, this could potentially significantly improve quality of life.
Common sense is starting to permeate into thermostats as well.
Instead of smart home platforms issuing direct commands that instantly override settings, Matter 1.6 introduces a new “thermostat suggestion” model. Smart hubs can now send recommendations instead of instructions. As a result, the thermostat itself can decide whether automation makes sense based on the current situation.
This can help avoid situations where your energy-saving routine unexpectedly overrides manually selected temperatures or conflicts with your utility company’s demand response program.
This update also expands support for safety-related devices. You can now report whether your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed correctly. Additionally, security sensors can share event log history across connected platforms, making it easier to see exactly when an event occurred.
As with all Matter releases, it’s worth remembering that support doesn’t appear overnight. Matter 1.6 was first released to manufacturers and platform developers. This means new features will gradually arrive through firmware updates and future hardware launches.
Still, while previous Matter updates have primarily focused on adding new device categories, Matter 1.6 feels different. The emphasis here is on removing everyday hassles, which could ultimately be just as important as adding support for the next wave of smart home gadgets.
