Amazon: Matter is still pending on iOS, but works via Alexa

On the heels of iOS 16.2Amazon throw in turn matter, the “universal” home automation protocol, and unfortunately iOS is a bit the last wheel of the carriage since compatibility with the Apple ecosystem will only be effective next year (no precise date). The lack of direct compatibility of Matter with iOS does not mean that iPhone users will not be able to use Matter at all with their iPhones: Matter remains accessible… in the Alexa ecosystem alone and with almost all models. Echo (from the 5th generation Echo Dot to the Echo Studio via the Echo Flex or the Echo Show 8). However, this means that it will still not be possible to manage these devices in the Home app (and no longer in Google home for that matter). The Matter update for the above-mentioned devices is automatic (and therefore also effective for iOS users).

Amazon’s Echo speakers are Matter compatible with a still limited quantity of connected objects, i.e. a few connected bulbs or switches, and even those that provide Wi-Fi connection. Bluetooth devices will only be compatible in 2023 there again. Suffice to say that the launch of Matter at amazon is still very timid and that the promise of the same home automation chain bringing together products from different manufacturers is still globally a fantasy.