Imagine a world where your smart home devices seamlessly work together, regardless of the brand or protocol. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, Samsung SmartThings is turning this vision into reality by becoming the first platform to support Matter-compatible cameras. This groundbreaking move not only solidifies Samsung’s leadership in the smart home industry but also promises a more unified and secure experience for users. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this update isn’t just about adding cameras—it’s about redefining what’s possible in smart home integration.
Samsung Electronics has announced that its SmartThings platform now supports Matter 1.5, the global smart home standard. This update, rolling out later this month, expands SmartThings’ compatibility to include cameras, alongside existing Matter devices like lights, door locks, switches, and sensors. With this move, SmartThings is set to become the most comprehensive smart home platform for Matter devices, offering users unparalleled flexibility and control.
Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of the SmartThings Team at Samsung Electronics, emphasized the company’s vision: “Samsung is committed to ensuring that products and services from different brands and protocols deliver a seamless, unified experience through SmartThings. We’ll continue to champion industry standards like Matter and foster collaborations that drive innovative customer experiences.”
Enhanced Security and Convenience with Matter 1.5 Camera Support
Matter 1.5, introduced by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) in November, brings significant upgrades, including camera support and enhanced features for closure operations like blinds, awnings, and garage doors. It also improves energy management, making smart homes more efficient.
The inclusion of camera standards is a game-changer. Cameras are a cornerstone of any smart home ecosystem, and Matter 1.5 supports a wide array of use cases—from indoor and outdoor security cameras to video doorbells. Features like live video streaming, two-way communication, motion detection, event history, and pan-tilt-zoom controls are now seamlessly integrated into the Matter framework. But here’s the part most people miss: this standardization means users no longer have to worry about compatibility issues between devices from different brands.
Expanding Choices for Users and Simplifying Development
With SmartThings supporting Matter, camera manufacturers can now launch Matter-based cameras that integrate effortlessly into the SmartThings ecosystem—no need for custom APIs. Samsung has partnered with leading IoT device makers like Aqara, Eve, and Ulticam to develop these cameras, with products expected to hit the market starting March 2026.
SmartThings has already teamed up with brands like Aqara, Arlo, Hue, and Ring to offer diverse smart home camera experiences. This update further broadens user options, as Matter cameras can now be easily added to the SmartThings ecosystem. And this is where it gets controversial: while Matter promises interoperability, some argue that it could limit innovation by forcing manufacturers into a one-size-fits-all framework. What do you think? Is standardization a boon or a barrier to creativity?
Building a Smarter, Safer Home
Integrating cameras with SmartThings allows users to create a smart home tailored to their needs. Whether it’s monitoring your home while away, checking on pets, or setting up custom routines with smart doorbells, the possibilities are endless. For instance, imagine receiving a notification when your pet enters a restricted area or automatically turning on lights when motion is detected outside.
Strengthening Industry Leadership
Samsung SmartThings continues to expand its global partnerships under an open-platform strategy. Through the Works With SmartThings (WWST) certification program, SmartThings now supports over 4,700 models from more than 390 partner brands. By rapidly adopting the Matter standard, Samsung has brought 58 Matter device types into users’ daily lives, cementing its position as an industry leader.
But here’s the question we leave you with: As smart homes become increasingly interconnected, how do we balance convenience with privacy and security? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective!
