iOS 18 lets you control Matter devices without a smart home hub

Developed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung (and others), Matter is an open-source, IP-based connectivity software layer for smart home devices. It works over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and the low-power mesh networking protocol Thread, and currently supports over 30 device types. These include lighting, thermostats, locks, robot vacuums, refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, ovens, smoke detectors, air quality monitors, EV chargers, and more.

A smart home device with the Matter logo can be set up and used via a Matter controller in any Matter-compatible ecosystem and can be controlled by multiple people using a feature called Multi-Admin.

Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple Home are some of the major smart home platforms that support Matter, along with hundreds of device manufacturers.

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