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Samsung’s October 2026 SmartThings update brings contextual SmartThings Now cards, a redesigned Home tab with a Floating Bar, improved offline diagnostics, and Matter 1.6 support for four new device categories. It also adds local phone-to-hub control for supported setups, but that feature depends on having a compatible hub and being on the same Wi-Fi network.
What SmartThings Now adds
SmartThings Now places context-aware cards at the top of the Home tab. They can surface care prompts, suggest actions based on your location, and recommend changes to Home Favorites based on the past week of use.
For example, a card may prompt you to check in on a Family Care member after an extended period without device activity. A near-home suggestion might offer to turn on lights and air purifiers. After you take an action, SmartThings can suggest turning it into a routine. These are prompts and recommendations; the update announcement does not say that every suggestion appears for every user.
How the Home tab and navigation have changed
The refreshed Home tab reorganizes dashboards and device and service cards, with more compact service cards. Samsung also describes a Live Wallpaper that changes throughout the day and a Floating Bar at the bottom of the screen for frequently used functions. Samsung says the bar follows the latest One UI design direction and is intended to make one-handed use easier on larger phones.
#1 Best Overall
- Powered by SmartThings: Connect, monitor, and automate your home through the SmartThings app. Build a reliable, unified smart home using Samsung's proven ecosystem
- Matter + Zigbee Smart Home Hub: Supports the newest Matter standard plus Zigbee for lighting, sensors, plugs, switches, thermostats, and more - thousands of compatible devices. PLEASE NOTE: Z-Wave not supported
- Easy Setup with Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Get started in minutes using Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection for apartments, houses, and expanding smart home systems - Z-Wave not supported
- Automations That Work for You: Create custom routines for security, lighting, comfort, and energy savings. Many local automations continue working even if your internet goes offline
- Wide Device Compatibility: Connect compatible smart devices from Aeotec and many other brands to build a unified system for lighting, voice control, energy management, and climate settings
When local control works—and what Samsung’s speed claim means
With a supported SmartThings Hub, your phone can communicate directly with the hub when both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. SmartThings switches between this local path at home and cloud-based remote control when you are away. This means local control is conditional: it is not the same as being able to control devices locally from anywhere, and it requires a compatible hub setup.
Samsung says controlled tests showed approximately 30% faster response times with local control than with cloud-based control. That is Samsung’s test result, not an independently verified guarantee; the company notes that actual performance may vary with the environment.
Rank #2
![SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation [GP-U999SJVLGDA] Smart Home Automation Hub Home Monitoring Smart Devices - Alexa Google Home Compatible - Zigbee, Z-Wave, Cloud to Cloud Protocols – White](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21hChu0ounL._SL160_.jpg)
- Monitor and control compatible devices in your home using a single smartphone app for your phone
- Automate connected devices in your home and set them to turn on or off when doors are opened, people come and go, and much more
- Works with a wide range of smartphone compatible products
Samsung lists these supported local-control hubs and surfaces:
The Tool Desk
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- SmartThings V2, V3, and V4 Hubs
- Hub-enabled Samsung Smart TVs and Family Hub refrigerators
Samsung’s announcement does not say that a hub is required to use the redesigned app or SmartThings Now.
Rank #3
- LOCAL PROCESSING FOR INSTANT RESPONSE: The Hubitat Elevation C-8 Pro runs automations directly on the hub, not on remote servers, so lights, locks, thermostats, and routines keep working even when your internet goes down; this local-first architecture delivers near-instant response to every trigger without relying on remote servers to process commands; compatible with 1,000+ devices across 100+ brands, and device data stays at home for enhanced privacy
- WORKS WITH ALEXA, GOOGLE HOME, AND APPLE HOMEKIT: Connect your preferred voice assistant and start controlling your smart home from day 1; the C-8 Pro is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, so your existing ecosystem works alongside the hub without compromise; Ring camera integration adds a concrete layer of security awareness; approachable setup is supported by step-by-step documentation and an active online community ready to guide you through every stage
- MULTI-PROTOCOL SUPPORT WITH EXTENDED RANGE: A single hub covers Matter 1.5, Z-Wave 800 Series with Long Range, Zigbee 3.0, and Bluetooth, so existing devices stay compatible without extra bridges or adapters; 800 Series Z-Wave and Zigbee 3.0 deliver improved reliability and mesh stability, backed by Z-Wave Alliance membership; 2 dedicated external antennas, one for Z-Wave and one for Zigbee, extend wireless reach in larger homes and device-dense environments where signal consistency is critical
- AI-ASSISTED AUTOMATION AND ADVANCED RULE ENGINE: The AI-assisted routine builder suggests and builds automations based on your connected devices, no programming required; Rule Machine enables multi-condition logic across lighting scenes, geofenced arrivals, layered security responses, and whole-home scheduling; when your family arrives after dark, the hub can unlock the door, activate pathway lights, and adjust the thermostat, turning complex sequences into reliable hands-free routines
- NO SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED AND CONTINUOUS UPDATES: Full platform functionality needs no recurring subscription; every automation, integration, and advanced feature is available from setup; continuous platform updates since 2018 have expanded compatibility without requiring new hardware; an active community of tech-savvy homeowners and DIY smart home builders shares custom apps, drivers, and automation blueprints for ongoing value; compact at 3.23 x 2.95 x 0.67 in and just 0.16 lb, it fits anywhere
What the updated Offline Device Diagnostics page does
The updated diagnostics page can refresh network information across registered devices at once, helping users troubleshoot devices that have gone offline. Samsung describes this as a way to help restore connectivity; it does not guarantee that a diagnostics refresh will bring every offline device back online.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which Matter 1.6 device categories are added
Samsung says the update adds support for four Matter 1.6 categories:
Rank #4
- Multi-Protocol Smart Hub with Matter Bridge – The M100 is a versatile smart hub compatible with Thread devices and Aqara Zigbee (** Not third-party Zigbee devices), supporting up to 20 Aqara Zigbee devices and 20 Thread devices. As a Matter Bridge, it connects Aqara Zigbee products to other smart home ecosystems, compatible with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Home Assistant, etc. Note: Use a 5V⎓0.5A power adapter (not included) and keep the product continuously powered during use.
- Advanced Matter Bridging for Seamless Smart Home Integration – The M100 enables Aqara’s unique features, such as facial recognition and complex automation, to work across Home Assistant and other Matter ecosystems. Expand your smart home with Aqara or third-party Matter devices (requires a Matter-enabled hub). Currently supports lights, thermostats, plugs, switches, buttons, and various sensors (motion, light, door/window, temperature/humidity), with more devices to be added in the future.
- Local Automation for Reliable Performance – Supports local execution of automations for Zigbee and Matter devices, ensuring smooth operation even without Wi-Fi or cloud access. Enjoy millisecond-level response times for a more stable and reliable smart home experience. (Some automation, such as cloud push notification, will still require the cloud connection to be executed.)
- Flexible Power & Small Size – Features a universal USB-A port for power and data, allowing connection to power banks, wall outlets, PCs, or routers for a simple and quick setup. The Hub M100's shaft can be adjusted within a 210-degree range, making its placement extremely flexible.
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 6 for Faster & Security—This product supports a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 6 wireless network connection, which enables more efficient connections with advanced WPA3 security. Wi-Fi 6 ensures smoother performance even in high-traffic environments, allowing multiple devices to connect without compromising speed or reliability. Note: To ensure a stable connection, place the Hub M100 between 6 to 19 feet from the router.
- Energy meters
- Specialized closures, such as doors and gates
- Irrigation devices, such as sprinklers
- Soil sensors
Samsung also describes improved stability and Group Control performance. The announcement does not establish a guarantee that every device in these categories will work with every SmartThings setup; compatibility depends on supported products and integrations.
Where the update is available
Samsung says the updated Home tab and SmartThings Now are available on SmartThings-supported mobile devices, Samsung Smart TVs, Family Hub refrigerators, Samsung appliances with 7-inch or 9-inch screens, and Windows devices. PhoneArena reported that the refreshed Android and iOS apps are available. Samsung’s announcement does not provide an app version number or a country-by-country rollout schedule, so availability timing may differ by device and region.
Samsung said in its October 7, 2026 announcement that SmartThings had 470 million registered users and more than 430 Works with SmartThings-certified brands worldwide. Those figures describe the ecosystem, not the number of people who have received the update.
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