The Matter smart home standard just got a lot more useful. The latest version, Matter 1.5, is launching today, and brings three big improvements: Support for home security cameras, greater support for doors and windows (like garage doors), and more robust energy management reporting.
Here's a rundown of all the new features, as well as companies who've announced products that will support them.
Security Camera support
Matter 1.5 will support pretty much any type of connected security camera: video doorbells, home security cameras, baby cams, and outdoor security cameras, to name a few. Not only will it support Wi-FI, PoE, and Ethernet cameras, but it's also backwards-compatible with any Wi-Fi-connected camera.
Matter will support any resolution (such as 720p, 1080p, 2K, or 4K) as well as any aspect ratio. However, Matter 1.5 does not handle video storage, as well as features such as triggering actions based on what's happening in the video.
Several companies have already said they will launch Matter-compatible cameras, but not for a while. "We're happy to share that Aqara's first Matter camera is expected to be released in H1 2026, " Cathy You, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Division, said. "We're also planning to roll out Matter support for some of our existing cameras.”
Xthings/U-Tec also said it would support the new standard. “Matter 1.5 extends the power of interoperability to cameras, uniting vision and security under a trusted, open standard," Raj Sunder, Product Management Leader, Xthings said. "Xthings is proud to support this milestone under the Ulticam product line, with our upcoming products, including the Ulticam V2, which combines the Connectivity Standards Alliance's secure foundation with our AI intelligence to deliver more connected and secure smart-home experiences.”
Closure support
You'll finally be able to get closure. While Matter has supported basic open/close events, the 1.5 update allows for more complex reporting and device types, such as window shades, awnings, gates, and smart garage doors. So, manufacturers will be able to specify specific motion types (like sliding or rotating) as well as mechanisms, like single or dual panels.
So, not only will you be able to know if you closed your garage door, but you could also get an alert if it's not shut all the way. Or, you could adjust your blinds to only open halfway during the day.
Energy and water management
Your home could get a lot smarter about saving energy. A new electrical energy tariff device type can take forecasted and real-time pricing, tariff, and carbon data from utilities, grid operators, and energy services, and then automatically adjust your smart thermostat, HVAC, or other systems so that you're using less energy during peak demand periods.
This will be of particular use in European markets, where utility companies offer incentives if you use less energy. Additionally, those who have EV chargers that support Matter 1.5 will also be able to share more information about the state-of-charge and bi-directional charging
Lastly, Matter 1.5 will support soil sensors, so that smart irrigation systems can more precisely water your lawn or garden based on moisture and temperature. Not only will your plants be healthier, but you could save water, too.
Bottom line
The Matter 1.5 release could mean the most for Apple Home users, who have up to this point been stuck with a relatively small selection of video doorbells and security cameras that work with its ecosystem. It remains to be seen if companies like Ring and Google will update their products to work with Apple Home, but it should open the field from other camera makers who don't have their own smart home home ecosystems to protect.
And, with support for all sorts of doors and blinds — as well as better energy management reporting — consumers should have an easier time making their home more comfortable, and lowering their energy bill, too.
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