Samsung’s SmartThings platform gets a major UI and performance lift
Samsung announced on 6 October 2026 that the SmartThings app – the company’s global hub for connected‑home devices – is receiving its biggest overhaul in years. The new version, marketed as SmartThings Now, reshapes the Home tab, adds AI‑driven suggestions and introduces a more responsive local‑control layer. With more than 470 million registered users and over 430 certified partner brands, the platform is a key part of Samsung’s smart‑home strategy, and the changes could be especially relevant for UK Android phone owners who already use Samsung devices or are looking for a unified hub.
A refreshed Home tab built around “cards”
The most visible change is the addition of a SmartThings Now card stack at the very top of the Home screen. Rather than forcing users to hunt through menus, the app now surfaces the most pertinent information – and a one‑tap action – based on where you are and what you’ve been doing.
- Contextual prompts – If the app detects that you’re approaching your house (based on a pre‑saved location), a card will appear suggesting you turn on lights or an air purifier before you step inside.
- Family‑care alerts – When a designated family member, such as an elderly parent, shows no activity for a set period, a care card pops up offering a quick check‑in or phone call.
- Routine creation shortcuts – After you act on a suggestion, the card invites you to turn the manual step into an automated routine for future use.
These cards are not static; Samsung’s AI engine analyses the previous week’s device usage and automatically proposes updates to your Favorites list. For instance, an air‑conditioner card may be hidden as the weather cools, while an AirDresser card could be promoted when the season changes.
Smarter routine management via “Routine Insight”
Alongside the new cards, a Routine Insight panel gives a quick overview of how often each automation has run in the last seven days. Users can tap the panel to dive deeper, edit or delete routines that are no longer useful. The goal is to keep the automation list lean, preventing the dreaded “automation clutter” that can make any smart‑home system feel unwieldy.
Local control gets a performance boost
One of the more technical, but highly impactful, upgrades is the introduction of local control. When your phone and a SmartThings hub sit on the same Wi‑Fi network, commands are sent directly between them instead of travelling through Samsung’s cloud servers. In Samsung’s own lab tests this cut latency by about 30 %, meaning lights, locks and thermostats respond faster and remain operable even if the internet connection drops.
The app automatically toggles between local and cloud pathways depending on whether you’re at home or away, so you don’t need to manage the switch manually. An updated Offline Device Diagnostics screen also lets you push new network settings to all registered devices in one go, simplifying the recovery of devices that have lost connectivity.
Matter 1.6 and four new device categories
The update also brings Matter 1.6 support, the latest iteration of the industry‑wide smart‑home standard overseen by the Connectivity Standards Alliance. Matter compatibility improves cross‑brand stability and enables “group control” – the ability to command several devices with a single instruction.
Four fresh device categories are now recognised by SmartThings:
- Energy meters – Real‑time power consumption data.
- Closures – Specialized doors, gates and garage doors.
- Irrigation – Sprinkler system controllers.
- Soil sensors – Ground‑moisture and temperature readings for garden automation.
These additions broaden the ecosystem beyond the usual lights, speakers and cameras, making the platform more attractive for DIY home‑automation enthusiasts.
Why UK Android users should care
For Android‑centric readers, the update matters for three reasons:
- Seamless integration with Samsung phones – The SmartThings app now follows the latest One UI design language, including a floating bar at the bottom of the screen for easier one‑handed use on larger devices (think Galaxy S24 Ultra). This is a welcome tweak for anyone who frequently toggles smart‑home controls while on the move.
- Cross‑device reach – Besides Android phones, the refreshed app runs on iOS, Samsung Smart TVs, Family Hub refrigerators and even Windows PCs. If you own a Samsung appliance with a 7‑ or 9‑inch display, you’ll see the same card‑based experience, meaning you can manage your home from the kitchen as easily as from your pocket.
- Potential contract‑deal leverage – Many UK carriers bundle Samsung devices with data‑plus‑device plans. An updated SmartThings experience could be a selling point when negotiating a new contract, especially if you’re looking to future‑proof a smart‑home setup.
Getting the update
The rollout begins this week on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Samsung says the new Home tab layout and SmartThings Now cards will appear automatically once the app updates to version 6.5 (or later). For hub owners, ensure your SmartThings Station or Hub V2/V3/V4 firmware is also up to date – the local‑control improvements rely on the latest hub software.
Verdict – a step toward a more intuitive hub
Samsung’s SmartThings Now update is less about adding flashy new gadgets and more about polishing the user experience. By surfacing context‑aware cards, offering routine analytics and shaving latency off local commands, the platform feels more like a personal assistant than a collection of toggle switches.
For UK Android users who already have a Samsung phone or appliance, the upgrade is a free, no‑extra‑cost way to make everyday smart‑home interactions smoother. The Matter 1.6 support and new device categories also signal that Samsung is keeping the ecosystem open to third‑party hardware, which should help future‑proof any investment you make today.
Bottom line: if you rely on SmartThings for lighting, climate or security, install the update now and start experimenting with the new cards – you may find that the app finally anticipates your needs rather than you having to chase them.
