The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has announced the release of Matter 1.6, which is now available for device manufacturers and platform developers to integrate into their products.
Matter 1.6 is a focused update that introduces new tools for device manufacturers, ecosystems, and platform developers. Rather than adding support for new device classes, the release focuses on improving device usability, multi-admin management, and how devices interpret and respond to commands. It also includes improvements to device power reporting, performance status communication, and security-related information sharing.
COMMISSION BACKED BY NFC
Many smart home products are installed before they are used, which can make setup very difficult. Ceiling lights, in-wall switches, and similar devices often need to be adjusted before final installation because of their location or because power is not available.
Matter 1.6 introduces NFC-Based Authentication, which allows a Matter device to be used using a two-way NFC connection, even before it is fully enabled.
This builds on the NFC payload support introduced in Matter 1.4.1, which allowed setup information to be stored on an NFC tag as an alternative to scanning a QR code. However, that method still relied on Bluetooth LE to complete transmission. Matter 1.6 allows the entire authentication process to take place over NFC.
Essentially, this means that a lamp can be activated before it is installed in a ceiling fixture, or a wall switch can be set before the power supply is available. Many devices can be configured in advance and installed later in their storage locations.
INTEGRATED HOUSE OF MULTI-ADMIN MANAGEMENT
Matter 1.4 introduced Enhanced Multiple Management, which allows ecosystems to automate device sharing across platforms following single user authorization.
Matter 1.6 extends these capabilities with Joint Fabric, a new alternative to the previous Multi-Admin implementation.
While existing approaches share device access between different Matter Fabrics, Unified Fabric allows multiple authorized administrators to manage a single shared Matter Fabric. By using a central data store, any device added to the Joint Fabric is accessible to all participating administrators.
Controllers can be added or removed outside of the devices themselves. Shared Fabric participation also counts as one fabric on the device, leaving additional Native Fabric capacity if supported.
Potential use cases include new building handovers, households using multiple smart home platforms, and professionally managed buildings. Devices can be accessed from any ecosystem the user chooses without requiring separate setup procedures for each environment.
THERMOSTAT RECOMMENDATIONS
Matter 1.6 introduces Thermostat Suggestions, which provide a standardized way for the ecosystem to recommend thermostat changes instead of issuing commands directly.
Instead of instructing the thermostat to change the temperature or operating mode immediately, the controller sends a time-limited suggestion linked to one of the presets supported by the thermostat. The thermostat then evaluates the recommendation against the user’s preferences, recent activity, and current environmental conditions before deciding whether to act.
Examples include:
- To prevent automation from issuing an event in response to a request for a resource.
- Respecting user preferences for energy saving, humidity control, or air quality across multiple services.
- To avoid conflicts when the user has just adjusted the thermostat manually or with another ecosystem.
If the proposal is followed, the thermostat can provide a standardized explanation, allowing both users and ecosystems to better understand its decision-making process.
ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
Device Capabilities and Communication Limitations
Devices can now communicate their capabilities and performance limitations using a standardized format, allowing administrators to introduce and deploy more accurate devices across ecosystems.
Security Sensor Event History
Security sensors can provide interactive event history information, giving the ecosystem access to both current status and past activity.
Reduced Status Smoke and CO alarms
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can now report when they have been removed from their installation, allowing ecosystems to provide a more accurate indication of operational status.
Classified List of Certificate Revocations
Building on the Certificate Revocation List support introduced in Issue 1.4.2, Matter 1.6 allows revocation information to be distributed across smaller, independently updated partitions. This improves scalability as the number of Matter-certified devices continues to grow.
AVAILABILITY
The Matter 1.6 specification and SDK are now available to device manufacturers, platform developers, and ecosystem partners.
As with previous releases of Matter, launch times will vary between companies and products. Support for individual features will depend on when device manufacturers and ecosystem providers choose to adopt them.