SmartThings Innovation Report: What’s New for Your Smart Home in 2026
- Bud
- Feb 23
- 4 min read
Samsung just released its latest SmartThings Innovation Report, outlining major advancements in AI automation, Matter support and ecosystem expansion. The platform continues evolving beyond a simple hub into a unified smart home automation engine. Below is a complete breakdown of what’s new, what it means for SmartThings users, and compatible products you can integrate today.
The Vision: “Your Companion to AI Living”
SmartThings is shifting toward proactive automation powered by artificial intelligence.
New capabilities include:
Vision AI insights such as face recognition and safety alerts
Event summaries through Now Brief
More intelligent cross-device automation triggers
The focus is simple. A smarter home that reacts to context, not just commands.
Core SmartThings Hardware (Newest to Oldest)
These hubs form the foundation of a Matter-ready SmartThings network.
Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 (V4) — Zigbee, Thread, and Matter compatible (Note: Z-Wave was removed in this version to focus on Matter/Thread).
SmartThings Station — Zigbee, Thread, and Matter compatible (Doubles as a 15W fast wireless charger).
Aeotec Smart Home Hub (V3 Hardware) — Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, and Matter compatible.
SmartThings Hub v3 (IM6001-V3P01) — Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, and Matter compatible.
SmartThings Hub v2 (STH-ETH-250) — Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Matter compatible (Supports Matter over Wi-Fi/Ethernet; does not contain a Thread radio).
SmartThings Compatible Hubs and Supported Wireless Protocols:
Hub Model | Zigbee | Z-Wave | Thread | Matter |
Aeotec Hub 2 (V4) | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
ST Station | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Aeotec Hub (V3) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
ST Hub v3 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
ST Hub v2 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅* |
*> Note: The Hub v2 acts as a Matter Controller for Wi-Fi and Bridge devices, but requires a separate Thread Border Router (like a Station or v3 hub) to communicate with Matter-over-Thread devices.
Environmental Monitoring
Eve Weather (Matter Compatible) - Tracks temperature, humidity and barometric pressure for automation. No Cloud, Real Automations.
Use environmental data provided by the EVE Weather Station to trigger HVAC routines, adjust blinds or send alerts. This video provides setup steps, placement tips, data accuracy notes, and real home automation examples. Works without accounts or cloud logins. Private and subscription free.
Matter 1.5 & Expanded Device Support
SmartThings is among the first platforms supporting Matter 1.5 cameras. This brings native camera integration alongside lighting, locks and climate devices.
Partner Ecosystem Expansion
SmartThings announced major integrations across lighting, Thread infrastructure and AI-powered security.
Govee Matter Lighting Integration
Govee expands immersive lighting control inside SmartThings through Matter-enabled devices.
Govee Floor Lamp 3 (Matter) - Adaptive RGBIC floor lamp with dynamic scenes.
Govee Ceiling Light Ultra (Matter) - High-output smart ceiling fixture.
Govee Sky Ceiling Light (Matter) - Simulated natural daylight lighting.
Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights (Matter) - Zoned color accent lighting.
Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi
Leviton continues expanding 2nd Gen Wi-Fi and Matter-upgradeable devices.
Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer - A full-range dimmer with customizable fade rates and "off" delays.
Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Switch - A standard on/off switch for lighting or small motor loads.
Leviton Decora Mini Plug-In Switch - A compact plug-in that fits two units in a single outlet; Matter-ready.
Leviton Smart Anywhere Companion Switch - A battery-powered switch that installs without wires to create a 3-way lighting setup.
GE Lighting Cync Devices
Cync expands affordable Matter-ready lighting inside SmartThings.
Cync Full Color A19 Bulb (Matter) - Multi-color smart bulb that connects directly to Wi-Fi/Matter without a hub.
Cync Smart LED Strip (Matter) - Flexible lighting strip for accenting cabinets or furniture.
Cync Indoor Smart Plug - Makes any device "smart" with scheduling and voice control.
Cync Ceiling Fan Smart Switch - Offers 4-speed control and scheduling for traditional ceiling fans.
IKEA Matter-over-Thread Expansion
IKEA launched 21 new Matter-over-Thread devices with Thread credential sharing support.
Note: IKEA generally does not sell officially on Amazon. While third-party resellers list them, prices are often inflated. You should purchase these directly from IKEA.com.
As an interesting aside, the names listed (KAJPLATS, MYGGSPRAY, etc.) are not the names of IKEA smart devices. In Swedish, Myggspray means "Mosquito Spray" and Kajplats means "Berth/Quay."
IKEA DIRIGERA Hub (Matter Bridge and Thread Border Router) - The core bridge that enables Matter support for all IKEA smart devices.
TRÅDFRI Bulbs: They gain Matter support when connected to the DIRIGERA hub.
IKEA KAJPLATS E27/E26 Globe (1055 lm, Color & White Spectrum)
IKEA KAJPLATS E27/E26 Globe (470 lm, White Dimmable)
IKEA KAJPLATS E27/E26 Globe (1055 lm, White Dimmable)
IKEA KAJPLATS E27/E26 Globe (1521 lm, White Dimmable)
IKEA KAJPLATS P45 E14 (470 lm, White Dimmable)
IKEA KAJPLATS P45 E14 (806 lm, White Dimmable)
IKEA KAJPLATS P45 E14 (806 lm, Color & White Spectrum)
IKEA KAJPLATS GU10 Spotlight (470 lm, Color & White Spectrum)
IKEA KAJPLATS GU10 Spotlight (575 lm, White Dimmable)
IKEA KAJPLATS Clear Glass Decorative Bulb (E14, White Dimmable)
IKEA KAJPLATS Clear Glass Decorative Bulb (E27, White Dimmable)
VALLHORN Motion Sensor: A battery-powered sensor for indoor/outdoor lighting automation.
IKEA MYGGSPRAY Motion Sensor (Indoor/Outdoor)
PARASOLL Door/Window Sensor: A slim sensor for monitoring entry points via Zigbee/Thread.
IKEA MYGGBETT Door/Window Sensor
VINDSTYRKA Air Quality Sensor: Monitors PM2.5, Humidity, and Temperature with a built-in display.
IKEA ALPSTUGA Air Quality Sensor (CO2, PM2.5, and Humidity)
BADRING Water Leakage Sensor: Detects moisture and alerts your phone or sounds an alarm.
IKEA KLIPPBOK Water Leakage Sensor
Other Notable IKEA Devices:
IKEA TIMMERFLOTTE Temperature and Humidity Sensor
IKEA GRILLPLATS Smart Plug (with Energy Monitoring)
IKEA BILRESA Remote Control (Dual Button)
IKEA BILRESA Remote Control (Scroll Wheel)
IKEA BILRESA Remote Control Kit (3x Dual Button, Mixed Colors)
IKEA BILRESA Remote Control Kit (3x Scroll Wheel, Mixed Colors)
Arlo AI Security Integration
Arlo enhances SmartThings integration with advanced object detection. AI detection allows SmartThings to trigger automations based on people, pets or packages.
Arlo Pro 5S 2K Camera - 2K HDR video, dual-band Wi-Fi, and color night vision.
Arlo Essential 2K Camera (Gen 2) - Affordable high-res security with built-in siren and spotlight.
Arlo Video Doorbell 2K - 180° field of view and optimized for package detection.
Additional SmartThings-Compatible Devices
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential - Auto-Away Mode, Auto-Scheduling, Fan Control, Programmable, Temperature Display
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium - Zinc housing, built-in air quality sensor, and a Siri/Alexa speaker built-in.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced - The mid-range option providing essential smart scheduling and remote sensor support.
Final Takeaways
The 2026 SmartThings roadmap emphasizes:
AI-driven automation
Matter 1.5 expansion
Thread reliability improvements
Broader lighting and security partnerships• Increased local device control
SmartThings is evolving into a full-scale automation ecosystem, not just a smart home hub.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support ongoing smart home testing and content creation.
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