Matter smart-home standard updates: Promises of version 1.4

The smart home industry’s universal technology standard, Matter, will get a significant update that could make it easier for Apple users to integrate non-Apple devices into their smart home setups, according to a new report. The new Matter 1.4 update introduces several key improvements, some long-awaited — including enhanced multi-admin capabilities and expanded device support.

Matter smart-home standard updates make big improvements

With the Matter 1.4 update, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) takes a firmer stance on implementation, pushing for better cooperation among major tech companies including Apple, Google, and Amazon, according to The Verge. But some of the improvements merely realize Matter promises from before its launch two years ago, after delays. Improvements since have been steady but slow.

“Matter 1.4 is a completion move,” CSA CTO Chris LaPré said of the latest improvements. “It’s really the enabling piece for smart control of energy in your home.”

One of the most notable improvements for Apple Home users is the enhanced multi-admin feature. This update could allow your Matter-compatible devices to automatically appear in Apple Home after being set up in another platform, eliminating the current manual process of adding devices to multiple ecosystems. For instance, if you set up a smart light using your iPhone, it could automatically appear on your family member’s Android device while maintaining secure authorization protocols.

The update also addresses a common frustration for Apple HomePod users by introducing improved Thread network management. This should prevent the creation of multiple Thread networks when using border routers from different manufacturers, making it easier to maintain a stable smart-home network.

New support for green technology, but still no security cameras

For those investing in green technology, Matter 1.4 adds support for heat pumps, home batteries and solar panels. This integration could allow Apple Home users to monitor and manage their home’s energy consumption more effectively through a single platform.

While security cameras remain absent from the specification, the update covers almost every other major device category. However, Apple has not yet announced when it will implement the new features in HomeKit and Apple Home.

The upgrade also introduces the concept of Matter-certified Wi-Fi routers, which could simplify smart home setup by providing built-in Thread border router capabilities. This means future Wi-Fi routers could handle both traditional networking and smart home connectivity without requiring additional hardware like HomePods for Thread support.

Changes for consumers not immediate

For Apple users, the practical benefits of Matter 1.4 will depend on Apple’s implementation timeline and the extent to which they choose to adopt the new features. The update is available to developers now, but consumer-facing changes will roll out gradually as manufacturers and platforms integrate the new specification into their products.

Despite these promising improvements, Apple users should note that manufacturers aren’t required to implement all aspects of the Matter specification, so some features may vary across different platforms and devices. Those interested in expanding their Apple Home setup with Matter-compatible devices should watch for specific compatibility announcements from both Apple and device manufacturers in the coming months.