Matter Standard: Add any Smart Home Devices to Apple HomeKit

Ishara Fernando -

Ever thought of adding any smart home devices to HomeKit? But don’t know how? Don’t worry! You can bring your smart home devices to Apple HomeKit now. Surprise! Matter has emerged as a game-changer. Let’s explore the next generation of smart home protocol: Matter smart home standard.

What is the Matter Smart Home Standard?

The matter is a common language to connect compatible devices with one another. This protocol can be used to communicate with smart home devices. It addresses the pain points of current IoT devices.

Now, you can add any smart home devices to Apple HomeKit. But Smart home devices must be Matter enabled. Also, it is designed to make it easy to connect smart home devices.

Created by: Project Connected Home Over IP in 2019.

Developed and run by: Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA).

Officially launched: November 2022.

Why does it matter?

"Matter" can solve the biggest problem of smart homes. Yes! Matter eliminates interoperability problems. It allows devices to work together regardless of their brand or ecosystem.

Let’s check out the Matter compatible smart home devices.

Matter unifies all smart home devices under one standard. Also, it eliminates compatibility issues. Security is another issue in smart homes. Many smart home devices are not very secure. Matter solves this problem by incorporating security features into the standard.

Benefits of the Matter Protocol

  • Secure and reliable connectivity.
  • Tread radio.
  • Easy to purchase and use.
  • Devices from different brands work together natively.
  • Consistent and responsive local connectivity.
  • Simplify everything about the smart home.

A key feature: Matter devices can be controlled locally without an internet connection.

How to add Matter devices to Apple HomeKit?

You'll need to have matter-enabled devices to add any smart home devices to Apple HomeKit with Matter. Then, follow these steps to add Matter devices to the Apple Home app:

  1. Update the app to the latest version.
  2. Tap the + button (Near the top right corner of your screen).
  3. Tap add accessory.
  4. Scan your device's Matter pairing code using your camera.
  5. The app automatically detects Matter devices.
  6. Tap Add to Home.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to add the Matter device to your home.
The biggest promise is making smart devices work with each other across platforms and ecosystems.

For consumers, Matter offers:

  • Interoperability: Smart devices from different manufacturers can seamlessly work together.
  • Simplicity: Setting up and controlling Matter-enabled devices is easy.
  • Security: Matter incorporates advanced security technologies to protect your devices.

For manufacturers, Matter offers:

  • Innovation: Matter encourages innovation in the smart home industry.
  • Compatibility: Manufacturers can create devices that are compatible with a wide range of smart home ecosystems.
  • Flexibility: Matter is open-source and royalty-free standard. It allows providers the freedom to innovate and develop new products.

Now, you've learned what it is and why it's a big deal. Let's see how Matter works?

How does Matter protocol work?

Matter devices use the IP protocol to communicate with each other. Matter devices can communicate with each other. Even if they use different wireless protocols such as Zigbee or Wi-Fi.

Matter uses different wireless technologies:

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is widely available on computers and smartphones. It facilitates wireless connectivity between Matter devices. It can also enable internet connectivity if needed.

Ethernet: It is a wired connection. Also, it offers similar advantages to Wi-Fi. It can be used for Matter device communication.

Thread: Thread is a low-power smart home protocol like Zigbee. It forms a mesh network among devices. Also, Thread is particularly suitable for battery-powered devices.

Also, Enomek App, Athom Bridge, and HOOBS are some Matter alternatives. You can use Matter devices with the Apple Home app and Siri to control your smart home. The Matter controller is fully compatible with Apple HomeKit.

There are many Matter compatible devices from leading brands. Let's dive further.

Matter-enabled Devices

There are many Matter products available on the market now. These products include Smart thermostats, Smart Locks, Smart Light bulbs, and Smart speakers.

List of supported device categories:

  • Light bulbs and light switches.
  • Plugs and outlets.
  • Smart Locks.
  • Thermostats and other HVAC controllers.
  • Blinds and shades.
  • Sensors (motion, contact).
  • Televisions and streaming video players.
  • Smart Bridges.

Matter Smart Locks

Matter Smart Plugs

Matter Smart Switch

There is no smart switch on the market that has material support. But in 2023, there will be some smart switches that will work with Matter.

  • Eve Light Switch.
  • Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi 600W Dimmer (2nd gen).
  • Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi 15A Switch (2nd gen).
  • All Leviton Decora smart Wi-Fi second-gen devices.

Matter Smart Lights

Matter Smart Thermostat

  • Google Nest Thermostat.

Matter Smart Sensors

Matter Bridges

What do I need to use Matter devices?

  1. Matter Commissioner: Used to connect the Matter devices to a Matter Controller. Ex: Alexa App, Google Home App, Apple Home App.
  2. Matter Controller: Hub for controlling the Matter devices.
  3. Matter devices: smart home devices that support Matter.

You can add and control Matter devices using the Matter controller. If you want to add and control Matter devices.

The primary role of a Matter controller:

  • Facilitate device onboarding.
  • Manage communications.
  • Control devices and automation.
  • Enable remote access if configured.

Smart Home Platforms Support Matter

The four major smart home platforms support Matter such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, and Samsung SmartThings. You can utilize their respective apps to manage your Matter devices efficiently.

You can control the same set of Matter devices using multiple platforms. Also, it allows for flexibility and compatibility. It's worth noting that Matter is not limited to the big four platforms.  It supports:

Platform owners: Apple, Google, and Amazon.

Major manufacturers: Samsung and LG.

Other platforms, like Home Assistant.

Some other participating brands include:

  • ADT
  • Assa Abloy/Yale
  • Belkin
  • Bosch
  • D-Link
  • Ecobee
  • Eve
  • Facebook
  • Haier
  • Honor
  • Huawei
  • Ikea
  • iRobot
  • Kwikset
  • Leviton
  • LG.
  • Lifx
  • Logitech
  • Lutron
  • Nanoleaf
  • Netatmo
  • Oppo
  • Panasonic
  • Schlage
  • Sengled
  • Signify (Philips Hue)
  • Somfy
  • Tesla
  • Velux
  • Vivint
  • Wyze Labs
  • Xiaomi

Smart Home apps that support Matter

  • Eve app
  • Aqara App
  • SwitchBot app
  • TP-Link Tapo app
  • Tuya Smart Life app
  • Wiser App

Here's a quick overview of Matter support across different smart home platforms:

Amazon Alexa: Matter support

You can add your smart home devices to Alexa with Matter. Also, you don’t need a separate hub or smart home skill. You can control Matter smart home devices with Matter-enabled Amazon Echo devices.

With Matter's connectivity protocol:

  • Alexa can control your device locally.
  • Reduce latency and improve reliability.

You can connect your device by

  • Saying, "Alexa, discover my device."
  • Adding the devices to the Alexa App.

Matter-enabler smart home app: Amazon Alexa App (Android and iOS)

Google Nest and Google Home: Matter Support

Matter devices are designed to work seamlessly with each other. So, you can add your Matter devices to Google Home seamlessly. All Google Nest smart speakers and displays can act as Matter controllers.

The following Google devices can work as hubs for Matter:

  • Speakers: Google Home Mini, Google Home, Nest Mini, Nest Audio.
  • Display: Nest Hub (1st Gen), Nest Hub (2nd Gen), Nest Hub Max.
  • Wi-Fi routers: Nest Wi-Fi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E).

The following Google devices can act as Tread Border routers:

  • Displays: Nest Hub (2nd Gen), Nest Hub Max.
  • Wi-Fi routers: Nest Wi-Fi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E).

Matter-enabled smart home app: Google Home App (Android and iOS).

Apple Home Matter support

Apple Home added Matter support in iOS 16.1. So, you can add your Matter smart home devices to Apple HomeKit.

Matter controller without Thread border routers:

  • Apple HomePod (first-gen).
  • Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi (2022 version).

Matter controllers with Thread border routers:

  • Apple HomePod (second-gen).
  • Apple HomePod Mini.
  • Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi + Ethernet (2022 version).
  • Apple TV 4K (2021 version).

Matter certified Apple’s operating systems:

  • iWatchOS
  • iPadOS, macOS
  • TvOS
  • HomePod software

Matter-enabled smart home app: Apple Home App (running iOS 16.1 or newer).

Also, the Apple Home app and Siri voice assistant support Matter. Existing HomeKit APIs will work with Matter-enabled devices automatically.

Samsung SmartThings: Matter support

SmartThings will support Matter integrations in October 2022. The SmartThings apps for iOS and Android are now Matter-compatible.

The following SmartThings devices can act as Matter controllers:

  • Samsung's v2 SmartThings hub.
  • Samsung’s v3 SmartThings hub.
  • SmartThings Station.

The following SmartThings devices can act as Thread-border routers.

  • Samsung’s v3 SmartThings hub.
  • Aeotec SmartThings hub.
  • SmartThings Station.

Matter-enabler smart home app: Samsung SmartThings app (Android and iOS).

Will your existing Smart Home devices work with Matter? This is a frequently asked question by many users. Let’s see.

Will older devices work with Matter?

Many existing devices have already announced their support for Matter. It depends on their hardware capabilities. Also, a Matter controller is essential for adding Matter devices within your smart home.

These smart home devices have the potential to be compatible with Matter

  • Fairly new devices using Wi-Fi or Threat  (Through software updates or bridges).
  • Major brands such as Amazon, Google Nest, and Samsung SmartThings.
  • Nanoleaf smart lighting maker has also announced Matter support for both current and future devices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Matter is revolutionizing the smart home industry. It provides a unified standard for device interoperability. You can add any smart home device to Apple HomeKit with the Matter protocol.

Also, it enables seamless communication between different brands and platforms. Matter prioritizes privacy and security. So, It can ensure a safe and secure smart home experience.