Matter update issued by Roborock, more models to come

Following news that Apple’s iOS 18.4 has officially rolled out with robot cleaner support, industry leader Roborock has issued a Matter firmware update to several models.

This is in addition to news of two existing models that will be brought into the Matter sphere.

UPDATE 4/2/2025: We've since learned that Ecovacs and iRobot's Matter-compatible cleaners have also received firmware updates.

Roborock’s Matter firmware update

Robovacs from Roborock can already work with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, but Apple support has been limited. The iOS update requires firmware updates to the Roborock’s Matter-compatible line for it to work – so you basically need to update your Apple phone/tablet/TV as well as your robot cleaner.

This is the list of devices that will receive Matter firmware updates between April 1 and April 10 2025.

There are now far more current robot cleaners with Matter support than ever before, and it seems the list is going to keep growing.

Two new robovacs get Matter support

Roborock has also announced that the Roborock S8 Max Ultra and Qrevo Slim robot cleaners will also receive Matter support in the coming months.

roborock S8 MaxV Ultra

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra features automatic dock cleaning, powerful suction, edge-to-edge mopping, intelligent dirt detection, obstacle navigation, voice control, and pet monitoring.

Buy at Amazon US for $999.99

Even more exciting is the indication that more models might be added. The company currently has 21 robot vacuum cleaners in its line, which means up to 12 devices could be given Matter support.

As the owner of an S7, I’m not likely to benefit from a Matter update for my device. On the other hand, if I had an external Samsung SmartThings hub on my TV, I would at least be able to control it over Zigbee. As it happens, the Roborock app is packed with useful features and mapping tools, so this isn’t a huge deal-breaker. Having said that, my next robot cleaner will definitely have Matter.

Matter’s limited support for robot cleaners

As encouraging as this news is, keep in mind that robovacs/robot vacuums/robot cleaners (or whatever you want to call them) currently enjoy a very modest level of Matter support.

Limitations of the robot cleaner device in the Matter spec mean you’re only likely to enjoy basic on and off commands. The Roborock S8MaxV Ultra will support custom automations, however.

Voice assistance compatibility is available, notably through Siri thanks to the recent iOS and tvOS update. As such, you’ll find that despite the firmware update, the best way to control your robot cleaner will remain the Roborock app.