Matter – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Matter

Matter is a new standard that aims to fix the smart home’s biggest problems: interoperability, reliability, security, and being easy to use. With Matter, your smart lights, smart lock, smart thermostat, and other smart devices will all work with together, easily. All the major smart home platforms are on board — Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings — and so are almost all the big device brands, from Philips Hue and Lutron Caseta to August, Ikea, and TP-Link. If you see the Matter logo on a product, you know it will work with any other Matter-compatible gadget in your home.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
There’s finally an easy way to see your Thread network.

The Thread Group has released a new Thread Network Diagnostic app that lets you “explore, monitor, and visualize your Thread network.” It displays network topology, connection status, and device roles to help troubleshoot issues. It’s Android only for now, but an iOS version is in the works.

Thread connectivity problems have been one of Matter’s biggest pain points — most recently with Ikea’s Matter-over-Thread rollout. There are some apps that let you see your network, but a dedicated tool like this could be very useful. I’ll report back after testing it out.

Thread Network Diagnostics

[Google Play Store]

Ikea’s smart donut lamp is a sweet treat

8

Verge Score

The new Varmblixt adds color-changing, dimming, and Matter-over-Thread support, and brings a touch of inexpensive style to my smart home.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Walmart is updating its 4K streaming box with Gemini and Matter supportWalmart is updating its 4K streaming box with Gemini and Matter support
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
The first thermostat with Apple’s Adaptive Temperature feature is now available.

Aqara announced its Thermostat Hub W200 at CES 2026 with support for Apple’s Adaptive Temperature and Clean Energy Guidance features in iOS 26 and Matter controller functionality. The W200 is now available through Aqara’s online store, Amazon, and other retailers for $159.99, while an optional C-wire power adapter is $29.99.

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The Aqara Thermostat Hub W200 on a wall next to a painting.
The W200 thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on its activity status in the Apple Home app and prioritize heating and cooling when power rates are lower.
Image: Aqara
The latest Matter update improves camera streamingThe latest Matter update improves camera streaming
Nuki adds Apple Home Key to its smart lockNuki adds Apple Home Key to its smart lock
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Ikea’s Matter-compatible glowing donut is now available in the US.

First announced at CES 2026, the Ikea Varmblixt donut lamp is now available from the company’s online store and retail locations across the US. It’s still priced at $99.99 and comes with one of Ikea’s Bilresa remotes for cycling through 12 preset colors. To connect it to your smart home and unlock new colors you’ll need a Matter hub.

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Ikea’s Varmblixt donut table lamp being adjusted by someone pressing a wireless remote.
Image: Ikea
My favorite robot vacuum now supports MatterMy favorite robot vacuum now supports Matter
Ikea tried to build a smart home for everyone — here’s why it’s not working yet

The company’s new line of affordable gadgets was supposed to prove Matter’s promise. Instead, it exposed just how far interoperability still has to go.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Hands on with Aqara’s new Matter-compatible camera

Aqara’s G350 brings Matter 1.5 camera support, promising easier smart home integration — but it only works with Samsung SmartThings.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Ikea’s Matter-compatible smart bulbs are now available in the USIkea’s Matter-compatible smart bulbs are now available in the US
Ikea’s cheap new smart home gear is struggling to get connectedIkea’s cheap new smart home gear is struggling to get connected
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Netatmo launches a new smart thermostat.

The French smart home brand has announced the Thermostat Original (€149.99) and the Radiator Thermostat Original (coming soon). Both will work with Matter through an included Thermo Hub.

The Thermostat is Netatmo’s first product to work with Matter. Designed for European homes, it supports boilers, air-water heat pumps, and wood/pellet stoves.

The new thermostat comes in wired or wireless versions.
The new thermostat comes in wired or wireless versions.
Image: Netatmo
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
DJI’s see-through robot vacuum might soon work with Matter.

As first spotted by Matter Alpha, the Chinese drone manufacturer has joined the Connectivity Standards Alliance, the organization behind Matter.

This means it could potentially add Matter support to its new Romo robot vacuum line, allowing the robot to work with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or any other Matter ecosystem.

The Romo line is the drone maker’s first foray into the smart home.
The Romo line is the drone maker’s first foray into the smart home.
IMAGE: DJI
I’ve tested 30 smart locks, and these are the bestI’ve tested 30 smart locks, and these are the best
Ikea is expanding its Matter support to two stylish lampsIkea is expanding its Matter support to two stylish lamps
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Ikea has made some of its Matter-compatible smart home devices even cheaper.

As the cost of some electronics continues to skyrocket, Ikea has dropped the price of several of its new smart home accessories. The Myggspray motion and Klippbok water sensors are now down to $7.99 from $9.99, and while the three-pack of the colorful two-button Bilresa remotes launched in the US for $19.99, they’re now $14.99.

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Three images of Ikea’s new Matter-compatible smart home accessories.
Two of Ikea’s new Matter-compatible smart home sensors and its two-button remote are now cheaper in the US.
Image: Ikea
Nathan Edwards
Nathan Edwards
SmartThings is the first platform to support Matter cameras.

Samsung is rolling out the update this month, and it’s working with Aqara, Eve and Ulticam on Matter cameras. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy called it:

SmartThings will probably jump on adoption. Samsung abandoned its first-party camera hardware years ago, and Matter could provide the platform with the opportunity for broader camera support it desperately needs.

Samsung SmartThings Becomes the Industry’s First To Support Matter Cameras

[Samsung]

Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Ikea’s new two-button Matter remote launches in the US for $6.

Following the release of several of Ikea’s new Matter-compatible smart home sensors earlier this week, the two-button version of the company’s Bilresa Matter remote is now available through Ikea’s US website and several of its stores across the country. It’s listed at $7.99 but is currently discounted to $5.99.

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

A finger presses one of the buttons on Ikea’s Matter-compatible Bilresa remote.
Image: Ikea
Some of Ikea’s Matter-compatible smart devices are now available in the USSome of Ikea’s Matter-compatible smart devices are now available in the US
Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Matter is getting camera support.

From my colleague Jennifer Pattison Tuohy’s story about Matter 1.5:

The Matter 1.5 spec, announced today, adds support for all types of video cameras — from video doorbells, indoor and outdoor, wired and battery-powered cameras, to baby monitors and pet cams. And, perhaps most importantly, Matter support can be added to existing cameras with an OTA update. The new spec also adds garage door controllers, bi-directional charging for EVs, soil sensors, and more advanced integration with utilities for energy management.

Read her whole piece for more, including an interview with the Connectivity Standards Alliance.

Camera support could be the boost Matter needs

The 1.5 spec fills a huge gap in the standards’ promise of universal smart home compatibility.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Switchbot’s $30 presence sensor runs for two years on a pair of AAAs.

Following Aqara and Meross, SwitchBot has announced a new presence sensor with light, PIR, and 60 GHz mmWave radar sensors to detect when people are in a room. It runs on two AAA batteries that are easy to replace and is compatible with various smart home platforms when paired with the SwitchBot Matter Hub.

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

<em>SwitchBot’s presence sensor comes with an articulated magnetic base so it can be angled to detect humans but not pets.</em>
<em>The sensor can directly trigger various SwitchBot smart home devices, but it also works with platforms like Google Home and Apple Home when using the SwitchBot Hub.</em>
1/2
SwitchBot’s presence sensor comes with an articulated magnetic base so it can be angled to detect humans but not pets.
Image: SwitchBot
Meross’ radar presence sensor ditches the cord and adds Matter-over-Thread supportMeross’ radar presence sensor ditches the cord and adds Matter-over-Thread support
Aqara’s cord-free presence sensor runs for up to three years on battery powerAqara’s cord-free presence sensor runs for up to three years on battery power
Ikea’s new low-cost line is a huge win for Matter and your smart home 

The new Matter-over-Thread lineup delivers affordable, platform-agnostic lighting, sensors, and remotes for every smart home.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Ikea’s new smart home collection is entirely Matter-compatibleIkea’s new smart home collection is entirely Matter-compatible
The Echo Dot Max is Amazon’s biggest little speaker yet

8

Verge Score

The hardware finally feels ready, but Alexa Plus is still a work in progress.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
The iPad just got the chip it needs to be a smart home controller — againThe iPad just got the chip it needs to be a smart home controller — again
Samsung SmartThings finally adds support for joining existing Thread networksSamsung SmartThings finally adds support for joining existing Thread networks
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Matter gets its moment at the Samsung press conference.

Eve’s Tim Böth is on stage discussing how its smart home devices work with Samsung SmartThings via Matter. “Eve’s smart plugs capture energy efficiency data for SmartThings Energy, the motion sensors provide data to help SmartThings understand your daily routines,” he said. “Our products show how AI can fade into the background.”

Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge
Philips Hue lights get bigger, brighter, and cheaper with a major product refreshPhilips Hue lights get bigger, brighter, and cheaper with a major product refresh
Philips Hue responds to cheaper competitors with major product overhaulPhilips Hue responds to cheaper competitors with major product overhaul
Kwikset’s new locks point to a smarter, more open future for your front doorKwikset’s new locks point to a smarter, more open future for your front door
Hands-on with the Level Lock Pro: sleeker, smarter, still very expensive

Level’s latest lock adds faster performance, built-in door sensing, and Matter support while keeping its “invisible” design.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Google’s first Gemini smart home speaker detailed in leakGoogle’s first Gemini smart home speaker detailed in leak
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
You can now buy this neat keypad lighting controller.

The GE Cync Smart Dimmer Keypad, which was announced at CES, costs $44.99 and works with Matter-over-Wi-Fi, so you can program it to control any Matter-compatible lighting in your home and use it with any Matter smart home platform.

Common in pro-installs, keypads are useful for activating different scenes, and it’s good to see some affordable options.

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission.

<em>The keypad has two programmable buttons as well as regular on /off and dimming functions.</em>
<em>A new smart dimmer paddle switch is also available for $25.99</em>
1/2
The keypad has two programmable buttons as well as regular on /off and dimming functions.
Image: GE Cync
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
The Pixel Pro 10 phones include a certified Thread radio.

This means you should be able to use them to set up and pair Matter-over-Thread smart home devices, even if you don’t have a Thread Border Router.

Apple’s newer Pro iPhones also support Thread, and while the Pixel 9 series has the hardware, it looks like only the Pixel 10 Pro line is officially certified.

If you need to catch up on what Thread is, listen to the latest Vergecast for a deep dive.

We could make Rosie the Robot, but should we?
Play

iRobot co-founder Colin Angle on the future of home robotics and then it’s time to learn the story of Thread.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Surprise Matter update focuses on reliability and stabilitySurprise Matter update focuses on reliability and stability

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