Matter smart home standard nears breakthrough with version 1.6 and Joint Fabric

At a glance:

• Matter 1.6 introduces Joint Fabric for unified smart home networks across platforms.
• Over 1,200 certified products and 940 CSA members drive adoption.
• Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung still lag in platform implementation.

What is Matter?

Matter, developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), is an open-source, IP-based connectivity software layer for smart home devices. It works over Wi-Fi, ethernet, and Thread, supporting most main device types including security cameras, lighting, thermostats, locks, robot vacuums, refrigerators, and more. A smart home gadget with the Matter logo can be set up and used with any Matter-compatible ecosystem via a Matter controller, and multi-admin allows control from multiple platforms simultaneously.

Major platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple Home support Matter, along with hundreds of device manufacturers. Despite its promise, Matter has struggled with inconsistent implementation across ecosystems, leading to consumer confusion rather than clarity.

Challenges and progress

Following a rocky launch and years of broken promises, the CSA designated 2025 as the year to fix Matter. Version 1.6 was announced at the Unify conference in Austin, Texas, with the most significant new feature being Joint Fabric. This allows creation of a single smart home network controllable by any Matter platform—the interoperability many expected from the start.

However, adoption remains uneven. While SmartThings committed to adopting new specs within six months, Apple, Google, and Amazon are barely at version 1.3, released two years ago. Samsung hasn’t even added Matter support to its appliances. This gap between spec and implementation continues to frustrate manufacturers and consumers alike.

Industry collaboration

The mood at Unify was optimistic but realistic. Representatives from Google, Amazon, Samsung, and silicon vendors acknowledged Matter hasn’t fulfilled its initial promise, but significant work is underway. Engineers from major ecosystems collaborated with Ikea for a weeklong troubleshooting session after Thread issues caused connection problems. They worked 14-hour days, bought devices from Best Buy, and contacted router manufacturers on LinkedIn to resolve bugs.

This level of collaboration is unprecedented. “Collaboration is still painful, but it is collaboration, and it is the way to move the needle forward,” said Jon Harros, head of testing and certification at the CSA. The CSA’s Interoperability Lab and certification programs show tangible progress, with 1,200 certified products and growing membership.

Consumer perspective

George Yianni, head of technology at Philips Hue, noted that while Matter is the definitive interoperability mechanism, it’s still confusing for users. He emphasized that new features should be broadly supported within a year of spec publication. Consumers assume things will work, but today’s fragmented experience requires checking multiple badges—Works With and Matter—which creates confusion.

Yianni argued the industry needs to simplify consumer communication, making the Matter logo the sole indicator of compatibility. “Most consumers just assume things will work,” he said. The goal is for the Matter logo to become as ubiquitous as Wi-Fi, so common that smart home devices without it seem absurd.

Future outlook

Despite progress, challenges remain. Matter needs faster platform adoption and more devices in newly supported categories, especially security cameras. The standard must deliver on its initial promise of simplicity—success will be when an 80-year-old can set up a Matter lightbulb without help.

Ikea’s real-world deployment of Matter-over-Thread highlighted both potential and pitfalls. While the company rolled out an entire line of Thread products, connection issues led to industry-wide troubleshooting. This collaborative problem-solving shows commitment, but long-term success depends on management investment and consumer-ready experiences.

The CSA’s 940 members, including ADT on the board, signal growing industry buy-in. Thread has seen a 27% membership increase and over 1,000 certified devices. However, Apple’s steady approach, Google’s renewed focus with Gemini, and Amazon’s potential Sidewalk expansion raise questions about platform commitment.

Ultimately, Matter isn’t in danger of failing. The coalition formed in Amsterdam remains strong, with companies pouring resources into the standard. The vision of universal smart home interoperability is closer, but the journey continues.