Samsung has quietly started rolling out SmartThings hub firmware 62.x to beta testers, with the SmartThings app now identifying updated hubs as running Matter 1.6.
That makes SmartThings the second major platform to move to the latest Matter spec, following Home Assistant’s recent Matter Server beta. Samsung did not mention the upgrade in its release notes or detail in which Matter 1.6 features are enabled, leaving the version change visible mainly through the hub information shown in the app.
What changes in 62.x
Most of the announced changes focus on reliability and Thread network management rather than new Matter device controls.
Samsung says the hub will now reconcile device states after extended offline periods. In practice, this should reduce cases where a device reconnects but continues showing an outdated state in the SmartThings app. The update also includes broader stability improvements and reduced network traffic.
The firmware includes updates for the SiHAS PMM-300Z2 and PMM-300Z3 power meters. These will be installed automatically when hub-based device updates are enabled.
The more important networking change expands SmartThings’ Thread unification feature. Hubs that already manage both Matter and Zigbee devices can now directly join another Thread network. Previously you must remove all connected devices from the hub to unify the home Thread mesh.
Please be careful about this feature, which messed up my network during tests.
BILRESA scroll wheel
SmartThings also updated its Edge driver for the IKEA BILRESA Scroll Wheel. New preferences allow users to choose finer adjustment steps when rotating the wheel to change brightness or color temperature, giving the remote more precise control than a basic increase or decrease command.
Matter adoption needs more than a version bump
SmartThings and Home Assistant have become two of the fastest platforms to adopt new Matter specifications, while Apple, Google, and Amazon have taken a more cautious approach to exposing newer features and device categories.
But moving to Matter 1.6 is only part of the work. A platform still needs to translate standard clusters and device types into useful controls, interfaces, and automations.
SmartThings has also worked directly with device makers to improve how Matter products behave in the platform. Its customized support for IKEA’s BILRESA Scroll Wheel and ThirdReality’s multifunction night light shows how closer cooperation can turn standard Matter features into richer controls and a more complete user experience.
These device-specific improvements matter as much as adopting the latest spec. They turn capabilities defined on paper into controls that make sense with real products.
Samsung has not yet disclosed what Matter 1.6 adds to the 62.x beta beyond the updated stack version. More device support or platform features could appear through later firmware builds and Edge driver updates during the testing period.
Availability
Like previous beta firmwares, the 62.x beta is open to the following hubs:
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Samsung SmartThings Hub 2015 (Hub v2)
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Samsung SmartThings Hub 2018 (Hub v3)
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Aeotec Smart Home Hub
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Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2
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ThingsOne Smart Home Hub
The beta period began July 23 with firmware 0.62.3. Samsung is distributing the update in batches, so enrolled hubs may not receive it immediately. Previous beta participants remain enrolled unless they have opted out.
To join, open the SmartThings Advanced Web App, select the hub, and change “Hub Firmware Enrollment” to “Beta.” Enrollment normally takes effect during the next beta rollout, although you can ask SmartThings staff in the official beta thread for earlier access.
Samsung has not announced a public release date. Based on SmartThings’ usual three-month hub firmware cycle, firmware 62.x is expected to reach the listed hubs in late October, with SmartThings appliance hubs and SmartThings Station likely following about three months later.
(Source: SmartThings; Image: Aeotec, Matter Alpha/Ward Zhou)
