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Samsung’s October 2026 SmartThings update adds contextual cards and suggested actions to the Home tab, refreshes the app’s layout, and expands support for Matter 1.6 devices. Its new feature, SmartThings Now, resembles Galaxy’s Now Brief in its glanceable, context-aware approach—but it is a separate feature. Supported phone-and-hub setups can also control devices locally over the same Wi-Fi when the internet is down.
What SmartThings Now adds to the Home tab
SmartThings Now puts contextual information and suggested actions at the top of the SmartThings app’s Home tab. Samsung says it uses context and usage patterns to surface cards users may be able to act on, rather than requiring them to search for a feature or device. The examples below describe Samsung’s announced capabilities; they are not independent test results.
Care and arrival suggestions
- If a member enrolled in Family Care has had no device activity for an extended period, a caregiver may see a card with options to check in or call.
- Near a pre-registered home location, SmartThings Now may suggest turning on lights and air purifiers, then offer a prompt to create a routine for those actions.
Home tab recommendations and routine activity
The feature can use the previous week’s app activity to suggest changes to Home tab Favorites. A Routine Insight card can also show recent routine activity for review.
How the SmartThings redesign changes navigation
The update reorganizes dashboards, device cards, and service cards; Samsung says the service cards use screen space more efficiently. A Live Wallpaper changes over the course of the day, and a Floating Bar places frequently used controls near the bottom of the screen for easier reach on larger phones. Samsung describes the bar as reflecting the latest One UI design direction.
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Is SmartThings Now the same as Galaxy Now Brief?
No. SmartThings Now is a feature within SmartThings’ Home tab. Galaxy Now Brief is a distinct personalized briefing service. The two share a glanceable, contextual-card approach, but Samsung names and distributes them separately.
In an April 16, 2026 global announcement, Samsung described SmartThings information appearing in Galaxy Now Brief, including Home Security, Family Care, and Pet Care, alongside existing Home Insight, Energy, and Sleep Environment Report features. Examples included device status and energy use, previous-night sleep status, security updates drawing on locks, door sensors, and security mode, family activity, and dog-walking information. Some information requires devices registered in SmartThings and service activation. Samsung said the Now Brief experience would expand in phases to supported TVs and Family Hub refrigerators, with availability depending on model, region, and software-update schedule. Samsung’s global announcement
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- Monitor and control compatible devices in your home using a single smartphone app for your phone
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Can SmartThings control devices when the internet is down?
For supported setups, yes. Samsung says a mobile device and compatible SmartThings Hub on the same Wi-Fi network can communicate directly, without routing local control through the cloud. The phone can use local control while at home and cloud-based remote control when away. This is not a guarantee that every device or SmartThings setup will work offline: the phone must be on the home Wi-Fi, and the relevant hardware and device functions must support the local path.
Hubs Samsung lists for local control
Samsung lists the SmartThings app for Android and iOS paired with SmartThings Station, SmartThings V2, V3, or V4 hubs, and hub-enabled Samsung Smart TVs and Family Hub refrigerators. Confirm support for the specific device models and functions you rely on.
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Samsung reports that local control was approximately 30% faster than cloud-based control in its own controlled tests. The company cautions that actual response times may vary by environment, so treat this as a vendor test result rather than a universal performance guarantee. Samsung also describes an Offline Device Diagnostics page that can update network information across registered devices to help restore devices that went offline.
What Matter 1.6 support means
The update adds Matter 1.6 support for four device categories:
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- [Multi-Protocol Hub with Matter Bridge] The M3 is a versatile hub supporting Aqara Zigbee and Thread devices. It integrates third-party devices into the Aqara Home app. Supports advanced Matter bridge functionality, enabling Aqara-exclusive scenes and signals to sync with Matter ecosystems such as Home Assistant for seamless integration. Supports up to 127 Aqara Zigbee devices （** Not third-party Zigbee devices) and 127 Thread devices (Repeaters are needed).
- [Edge Compatibilities and Local Automations] The M3 serves as an Edge Hub, prioritizing local control and automation. Upon integration, it supersedes existing Aqara hubs, shifting the automations among them to local operation (Some cloud-based notifications still require internet). Upgrade-friendly, it supports migrating Zigbee devices from older Aqara hubs.
- [Smart IR Blaster with Feedback and Learning] The 360°IR blaster not only sends commands but also provides accurate status updates by detecting traditional remote use. It connects IR air conditioning units to Matter, functioning as an AC thermostat when paired with an Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor. (Note: Only one AC device can be exposed to Matter. Functionality may vary based on the Matter integration app. For Apple Home exposure, use Matter integration instead of HomeKit.)
- [Optimal Wired and Wireless Connectivity] Offering both wired and wireless solutions, the smart home hub M3 provides dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) with advanced WPA3 security, and a Power over Ethernet (PoE) port. The addition of a USB-C port allows for mini-UPS and power bank connections, delivering unparalleled stability. (2A USB power adapter is not included. ) . Note: To ensure a stable connection, place the Hub M3 between 6 to 19 feet from the router.
- [Privacy-Focused with Encrypted Storage, Easy Setup and Versatile Placement] The M3 prioritizes privacy by excluding microphone or camera components. It boasts 8GB end-to-end encrypted local storage, for device lists, configuration parameters, and automation configuration data. Additionally, it includes a mount and screws for flexible placement on flat surfaces, walls, or ceilings. Magic Pair technology ensures effortless detection by the Aqara Home app upon power-up.
- Energy meters: real-time power monitoring.
- Closures: specialized doors and gates.
- Irrigation devices: including sprinklers.
- Soil sensors: sensors that report ground conditions.
Samsung says the update also improves stability and Group Control performance. Matter support for a category does not establish compatibility with every product or every SmartThings hub. Check the exact product model and hub support before buying or connecting a device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Availability and what to check
Samsung’s October 5, 2026 U.S. announcement names mobile devices, Samsung TVs, Family Hub, appliances with 7- or 9-inch screens, and Windows devices for the updated Home tab. Availability can vary by region, model, and software schedule. The local-control hardware list is separate from the list of devices receiving the redesigned Home tab: the app update does not make a supported hub necessary just to use the new interface.
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If you are deciding whether a Matter device or hub fits your setup, check these points:
- Whether the exact device model is supported, not just its general category.
- Whether your hub appears in Samsung’s local-control list if offline home control matters to you.
- Whether the phone and hub can be on the same home Wi-Fi for local operation, and what happens when you are away.
- Whether the required app and firmware features are available for your region and devices.
- Whether you need additional hub hardware at all for your intended use; Samsung lists SmartThings Station as one supported local-control option, not a requirement for the redesigned Home tab.
Samsung’s stated SmartThings scale
Samsung’s 2026 announcement says SmartThings has 470 million registered users and more than 430 Works with SmartThings-certified brands worldwide. Those are company-reported platform figures, not independent counts of active users or a guarantee that every certified brand’s products work with every hub.
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