Samsung SmartThings Now adds smarter home controls and local connectivity
Updated October 9, 2026. Samsung announced an update to SmartThings on October 6, introducing a feature called SmartThings Now along with changes to local device control and compatibility. For people building a connected home, the important question is not just what’s new in the app but how much easier—or more reliable—daily routines can become.
What is SmartThings Now?
The new experience places contextual cards and suggestions in the home screen, aiming to surface information and actions when they are useful. Samsung describes examples such as suggesting lights when a user approaches a registered home and drawing attention to commonly used automations. The design is intended to reduce time spent searching through app menus.
Why local control matters
Samsung also says compatible phones and SmartThings hubs on the same Wi-Fi network can communicate more directly instead of routing every command through cloud services. This may improve responsiveness and help supported functions continue during temporary external internet disruptions.
The company reports approximately 30% faster responses in controlled testing compared with cloud-based control. That is a manufacturer-reported result, not an independent benchmark, and performance depends on the network, devices and hub. Not every connected device automatically gains offline operation.
Matter 1.6 and new device categories
Samsung says the release adds support for Matter 1.6, including new categories such as energy meters, specialized locks, irrigation devices and soil sensors. This could give households more options for combining connected products. Actual interoperability still depends on device certification, region and supported features.
A buyer’s checklist
- Verify the exact device model is supported by SmartThings.
- Check whether a compatible hub, Thread border router or other hardware is required.
- Look for clear documentation about local versus cloud-dependent features.
- Check software support, warranties and regional compatibility before purchasing.
What it means: Samsung is putting more emphasis on contextual controls and resilience. A useful smart home still starts with equipment that works well together; app features alone cannot fix fundamental compatibility problems.
Primary source: Samsung’s October 6, 2026 announcement. This is independent editorial coverage and does not claim hands-on product testing.