The Connectivity Standard Alliance on Wednesday announced Matter 1.6, an update to the smart home standard designed to improve compatibility between devices and platforms such as Apple HomeGoogle Home and Alexa. That is very important as these platforms add new features, such as Upcoming Apple Home capabilities generating AI video descriptions for connections security cameras.
The Matter update is part of the Connectivity Standard Alliance’s big week. The team also announced updates to Thread, the Matter protocol and other smart tools that can be used for local communication and offer security and energy efficiency benefits over technology. such as Wi-Fi.
A representative for the Connectivity Standard Alliance did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
What exactly does the Matter update change?
Thermostats, setups, Series and more get updates in this issue of Matter.
Matter 1.6 is aimed at manufacturers and brands, so most of the updates are behind the scenes to improve security or make it easier for smart devices to communicate. Matter 1.6 includes several notable changes:
- The standard adds NFC-based authentication, method of setting using near-field communication technology. With NFC, users can initiate device pairing by tapping or holding the phone near a compatible product, rather than scanning a QR code.
- Matter 1.6 also adds Thermostat Proposals, which provide a framework for prioritization smart thermostat commands and settings. Manufacturers can specify how the thermostat should handle competing instructions, such as a power management system running against a user-scheduled temperature change. The update can also distinguish between manual corrections made by the user and automatic changes made by the software, prioritizing manual corrections this time.
- Smart security sensors gain the ability to store event history, allowing people to see when the sensor was activated and whether it remains active. Similar capabilities have long been available in many manufacturers’ apps, but Matter could make them more widely available through platforms like Google Home.
- The update allows easy switching of smart devices between platforms. If you prefer Apple Home but your wife prefers Alexa, you won’t need to set up the same device on both platforms.
- The new Thread Tools app allows users to monitor their Thread network and identify connectivity issues that may affect device placement or performance.
When will people see these updates?
Adoption of new features may vary by manufacturer. While Matter 1.6 is now available, companies can apply updates to their timeline and may choose to add support for each device.
Sometimes it takes years for hardware and software to reach the features supported by Matter. Matter added support for the long-awaited video device in late 2025, but few companies have produced home security cameras that support it.
That means you may see these features coming to existing smart devices in the next few months, or you may have to wait for a new generation of products. When I review or recommend smart home technology, I’ll call out the Matter features supported by the devices, especially the new capabilities, so you have a better idea of what you’re getting.
