Samsung boosts SmartThings with AI & expanded Apple support

Samsung expands SmartThings support for iOS

Samsung is giving iOS users new ways to control their smart homes with AI-powered routines and improved Apple Watch integration.

Samsung’s SmartThings platform is getting a major upgrade for Apple users. It adds new iOS features that aim to simplify smart home control and broaden integration across devices.

The company announced an AI-powered Routine Creation Assistant that lets iOS users type simple phrases to build custom automations. For example, you can write “Turn off all the lights when I leave the house” to generate a full automation without manual setup.

Samsung says the assistant uses large language model technology to lower barriers for new users while speeding up configuration for experienced ones.

These updates reflect Samsung’s push to make SmartThings a true cross-platform ecosystem. The latest iOS version now includes Dark Mode support, expanded Apple Watch controls, and new options for sharing SmartTag locations with Apple users.

The additions come as Samsung seeks to maintain parity with Google Home and Apple Home by making its automation platform accessible on as many devices as possible.

Apple Watch users get more control

SmartThings for Apple Watch has been upgraded beyond simple routine triggering. Users can now switch between locations, control individual devices, and manage their smart home without taking out their iPhone.

Samsung pitches this as a way to unlock doors or turn on lights before even getting out of the car, offering more hands-free flexibility for busy households.

Apple Watch users get more control

One of the new features is the new Routine Creation Assistant. It lets users create layered, multi-step routines with natural language inputs.

Samsung claims that its assistant will simplify smart home automation for beginners who find traditional setup screens confusing. However, power users will still have a faster way to create complex routines.

The move is in line with broader industry trends. Companies are integrating AI assistants to help simplify smart home controls and reduce friction for new adopters.

Other new features target ease of use

SmartThings iOS users now get Dark Mode support for easier viewing in low-light conditions and potential battery savings. Samsung also expanded Calm Onboarding to 59 countries, offering a smoother setup experience for new users.

SmartThings Find has improved cross-platform sharing. Galaxy users can now send SmartTag location links to Apple users who have Samsung accounts. The compatibility makes it easier to coordinate tracking of lost items between ecosystems.

Samsung also introduced Virtual Home, a demo environment in the app that lets users test automations and features without buying hardware. The feature includes Family and Pet Care options.

These options let people see how SmartTags could help track pets or trigger alerts when family members arrive home. The SmartThings Energy feature also lets users monitor power usage and estimate future bills.

Positioning in the smart home ecosystem

Samsung’s latest updates reflect the ongoing battle among smart home platforms to keep users loyal. They also aim to stay open enough to attract customers from rival ecosystems.

Google, Apple, and Samsung all emphasize cross-platform support, with Matter helping standardize device compatibility.

Samsung is improving SmartThings on iOS to offer better integration. It aims to make the platform appealing to iPhone users who want a single hub for managing devices, including Samsung TVs and appliances.

Google, Apple, and Samsung all emphasize cross-platform support

Samsung’s approach emphasizes broad compatibility by adopting new Matter updates soon after release. Its strategy helps position SmartThings as an open platform that supports a wide variety of devices across brands.

Faster integration of Matter features may appeal to users looking for flexibility in building their smart home.

Apple has taken a more measured approach to Matter support, adding new features at a slower pace. It may limit compatibility with some newer devices in the short term.

But it aligns with the company’s focus on maintaining a controlled, consistent user experience. These differences highlight the varying priorities of smart home platforms.

Samsung’s strategy aims to attract users who value cross-brand support, while Apple focuses on tight integration within its own ecosystem.

App availability

The SmartThings app update is available now on the App Store. Samsung says it plans to continue investing in AI features and cross-platform compatibility to make home automation more accessible.

The SmartThings app supports a wide range of Apple devices, including iPhone models with iOS 16.0 or later and iPad models with iPadOS 16.0 or later. It also works with Apple Watch running watchOS 9.0 or later.

Support for Apple Vision devices with visionOS 1.0 or later helps ensure a consistent smart home experience across all platforms.

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