Samsung recently updated its SmartThings app, but what’s changed? We’ll walk you through all of the essential features of this exciting new software update.

What's Changed In the SmartThings App and Why?

Smartthings announcement on the SmartThings blog

In a recent announcement on the SmartThings Blog, Samsung indicated that it had improved its already robust SmartThings smart home app. These changes are more than just aesthetic and include several improvements to mobile versions. Additionally, Samsung has resurrected the Windows version of SmartThings. But why the changes?

In its statement, Samsung indicated that the company performed the redesign to usher in a more “seamless application experience” for current and future users of SmartThings supported devices.

With smart home popularity exploding, it would appear that Samsung has latched on to an opportunity for increased growth. The app, and the company’s recently announced adoption of the Matter protocol, seem to indicate the first steps toward a better SmartThings ecosystem. These are welcome changes for users who have criticized Samsung in the past for dropped automations and discontinued device support.

These changes come in tandem with the release of SmartThings' brand-new Windows application. This desktop application offers Windows users a similar app experience to the mobile app directly from their PC.

Some may remember the previous SmartThings Windows integration from 2014, which was later deprecated. SmartThings' return to Windows also signals some potentially exciting changes within the ecosystem. However, it also appears Samsung is shifting its focus to favor software over hardware, as many SmartThings branded devices are becoming harder to find.

The SmartThings app is currently available for mobile users in both the iOS App Store and the Google Play store. Users who would like to download the Windows version can grab it from Microsoft.

Download: SmartThings for iOS | Android | Windows (Free)

New Features and Integrations

As for mobile app changes, the biggest is that the SmartThings app now includes five different subsections. Each of these sections has a unique function.

  • Favorites is the SmartThings app’s new home screen and will showcase scenes, devices, and services together. Grouping these items allows the user access to common functions as soon as they open the app. This tab looks remarkably similar to Apple Home and even uses similar tiles.
  • Devices allows user control of all connected SmartThings devices, including appliances, lighting, televisions, and more. This view is more inclusive and will allow users to interact with devices not listed in the favorites section.
  • Life is a subheading designed to give access to services like SmartThings Home Monitor, SmartThings Clothing Care, and SmartThings Cooking. These services let SmartThings compatible products create what Samsung calls “meaningful user experiences” like arming and disarming smart locks or giving guests home access.
  • Automations allows SmartThings devices to work together automatically and react to conditions within the smart home—unlocking a door, or turning on a light, for example. This subsection also contains community-supported SmartApps.
  • Menu is still in development and will contain things like SmartThings Labs, notifications, settings, and automation history.

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Additional SmartThings Interface Changes

Aside from reorganizing the app UI as indicated above, another significant change here is the relocation of community-developed SmartApps. That means independent services like ActionTiles have a new place to call home.

As for the functionality of these apps, they still seem to work as they did before, and the SmartThings forum members are still developing new additions. However, the creation of the Life subsection indicates a division of these home-brew smart apps from Samsung’s official offerings.

Finally, because updates to the SmartThings app are released periodically, the feature set may change. One certainty is that the SmartThings app will eventually support Matter, though the timeline on that piece of the puzzle is slightly unclear. That said, other in-app changes appear minimal.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Matter, the New Smart Home Standard

Enjoy a New and Improved SmartThings App

The updated SmartThings app brings some interesting new features to the table. Additionally, Samsung’s recent adoption of the new Matter standard and the resurrection of the Windows version of the app indicate a potentially bright future for Samsung.

Though a shift to a more software-focused SmartThings may not be good news for all users. That said, these changes demonstrate Samsung’s commitment to improving the overall smart home user experience. It’s this focus on experience that could propel the company to new heights within the industry.