The Complete Guide to Matter Specifications: From 1.0 to the Latest 1.4.1 Release.

Since its inception, the Matter standard, led by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), has been a transformative force in the smart home and IoT industries. With the release of Matter 1.0 in 2022, the standard established a robust foundation for interoperability across different manufacturers and platforms. This release included comprehensive test tools, an open-source SDK, and a certification program that marked a new era of simple, secure, and reliable smart home products.

As the standard evolved, subsequent updates, including Matter 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and the recent Matter 1.4.1, have built on this foundation with expanded device support and enhanced functionalities. Each iteration has aimed to address the growing needs of an interconnected home, enhance user experiences, and promote sustainable practices.

The standard’s accelerating momentum is confirmed by data from the Connectivity Alliance 2024 Year in Review report. The Alliance has expanded its global reach to 794 member companies, a 30% growth, with strong representation in EMEA (34%), the Americas (24%), and the Asia-Pacific region. The pace of adoption is staggering, with 2,473 new certifications in 2024 alone, bringing the total ecosystem to over 10,400 certified products and platforms.

This rapid expansion shows how Matter is shaping the landscape of the Internet of Things (IoT), fostering data connectivity, supporting IoT security and privacy, and creating new opportunities for innovation.

The Matter specifications are aligned with the cybersecurity criteria of the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, promoting enhanced security compliance.

The latest specification, Matter 1.4.1, released on May 7, 2025, focuses on making the initial device setup easier and more successful for both consumers and manufacturers. This progression highlights the CSA’s dedication to refining the ecosystem and ensures that Matter remains at the forefront of smart home technology.

Detailed Matter Specification Releases

Matter 1.4.1 (May 7, 2025): A Smarter Start with Enhanced Setup

As Matter’s first “minor release,” the 1.4.1 update focuses on meaningful quality-of-life improvements that enhance the ease-of-use and simplicity of the smart home setup experience. These features aim to reduce user frustration, streamline regulatory compliance for manufacturers, and expedite time-to-market for ready-to-deploy features that fall between major releases.

• Enhanced Setup Flow (ESF): This update to the core commissioning process allows a manufacturer’s terms and conditions (T&Cs) to be displayed and consented to directly within a commissioner’s app (like a smart home ecosystem app). Previously, devices requiring T&C acceptance for regulations like GDPR needed to use a Custom Commissioning Flow (CCF), forcing users into a separate manufacturer app. ESF streamlines this into a single, continuous setup journey.
• Multi-Device Setup QR Code: For multi-packs of popular devices like light bulbs or smart plugs, users previously had to scan each QR code one by one. Matter 1.4.1 introduces support for a single QR code that can be used to set up multiple devices at once with a compatible commissioner, dramatically simplifying the process.
• Onboarding Info in NFC Tag: Manufacturers can now embed the same setup information found in Matter QR codes into an NFC tag. This provides a convenient alternative for devices where a QR code is hard to access, such as an already-installed light switch or ceiling fixture. Users can simply tap their phone to the device to begin commissioning.

Matter 1.4: Advancing Smart Home Capabilities (November 7, 2024)

Matter 1.4 cements the standard’s role as a leader in smart home innovation, delivering seamless interoperability, greater energy efficiency, and an enhanced user experience through several key advancements.

• Enhanced Infrastructure with HRAP Devices: The introduction of Matter-certified Home Routers and Access Points (HRAP) revolutionizes home network infrastructure by combining Thread Border Routers with Wi-Fi access points into a single device.
• Expanded Energy Management and Sustainability: Building on previous versions, 1.4 enables smarter energy usage with support for solar panels, battery storage systems, heat pumps, and water heaters.
• Simplified Multi-Platform Management: Enhanced Multi-Admin functionality simplifies adding and managing devices across different ecosystems with a single consent.
• Advanced Occupancy Sensing and Battery Efficiency: Occupancy sensors have gained a customizable sensitivity and now support radar, vision, and ambient sensing technologies. For battery-powered devices, the Long Idle Time (LIT) protocol improves energy efficiency.
• New Device Categories for Greater Control: Support was added for in-wall mounted controls, such as dimmable switches, and enhanced thermostat clusters with new scheduling capabilities that also contribute to improved energy management.

Matter 1.3: Enhancing Smart Home Capabilities with Advanced Energy and Appliance Management (May 8, 2024)

Released in May 2024, the Matter 1.3 specification represents a significant advancement in the Matter initiative. It focuses on enhancing smart home functionality through comprehensive energy management and integrating major appliances. This update reflects the Connectivity Standards Alliance’s commitment to improving energy efficiency and user convenience and expanding the ecosystem’s support for diverse smart home devices.

Energy and Water Management Features: Matter 1.3 introduces robust capabilities for managing energy and water usage, crucial for modern smart homes aiming to optimize resource consumption and reduce environmental impact. The specification includes detailed energy reporting features, allowing devices to provide real-time data on power usage, voltage, and current, alongside energy consumption estimates over time. This functionality extends to Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), empowering users with flexible control over their vehicle charging schedules to capitalize on off-peak rates and reduce carbon emissions.

Advanced Appliance Support: Expanding its appliance range, Matter 1.3 adds comprehensive controls for daily essential appliances, enhancing their functionality and integration within the smart home:

• Microwave Ovens: Users gain the ability to adjust cooking times, power levels, and operational modes, with notifications alerting them to cycle completions or specific cooking statuses.
• Ovens and Cooktops: The update brings precise control over ovens and cooktops, including temperature adjustments, mode settings, and individual compartment management for multi-function ovens.
• Extractor Hoods: Support includes controls for lighting and ventilation settings, helping to maintain optimal air quality in cooking areas.
• Laundry Dryers: Completing the laundry management suite, Matter 1.3 allows for remote control of dryer operations, offering settings for drying modes, temperature adjustments, and cycle notifications.

Enhanced Media and Home Interaction: The specification enhances the interactivity of media devices, such as TVs, through Matter-casting features and improved notification systems that integrate other home devices for a unified user experience. This includes enhanced dialogue support and media casting functionalities that enrich how users interact with content and receive pertinent household notifications.

User Experience and Development Enhancements: Matter 1.3 not only introduces new device capabilities but also improves the overall framework for developers and users:

• Scenes and Command Batching: These features streamline device interactions, allowing users to execute multiple commands simultaneously or set up scenes that adjust several settings simultaneously across multiple devices.
• Network and Debugging Tools: Improvements in network commissioning include more detailed reporting on device capabilities and enhanced debugging tools to ensure smoother setup and maintenance processes.

Matter 1.3 significantly advances the Matter standard by incorporating sophisticated management features for energy, water, and appliances, enhancing user interfaces and developer tools. This update broadens the scope of Matter-compatible devices. It elevates the smart home experience to new levels of convenience and efficiency, marking another step forward in the evolution of interconnected home environments.

Matter 1.2: Expanding Device Support and Enhancing Interoperability

The release of Matter 1.2 on October 23, 2023, marked a significant advancement in the evolving Matter standard, demonstrating the Connectivity Standards Alliance’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the ecosystem’s device support and interoperability. This update introduced nine new device types, substantially increasing the standard’s capabilities and broadening its applicability in the smart home domain.

New Device Types: Matter 1.2 extended support to include advanced appliances and systems that enrich the smart home experience. Additions like refrigerators, room air conditioners, robotic vacuums, dishwashers, laundry washers, and sophisticated air quality sensors offer enhanced features like temperature control, progress notifications, and air quality monitoring. These allow users to have comprehensive control over their home environments.

Core Enhancements and Integration Features: Beyond introducing new device types, Matter 1.2 included significant improvements to the core specification and the Matter Software Development Kit (SDK). These updates were designed to simplify the development process for new Matter-compliant products and improve their integration within various smart home ecosystems. Notable enhancements included:

• Interoperable Application Layer: Strengthening the requirements for an interoperable application layer over the Internet Protocol, ensuring seamless interaction between different devices and systems.
• Tailored Features for Markets: Introduction of door locks designed specifically for European markets and updates that support detailed device appearance descriptions, hierarchical device compositions, semantic tags, over-the-air updates, and generic device operational states.

Enhanced Testing and Certification Tools: Building on the SDK improvements, this update strengthens the testing infrastructure with an enhanced open-source Test Harness that accelerates product validation and preparation for Matter certification.

Enhanced Interoperability and User Experience: With new device types and better developmental tools, Matter 1.2 also focused on enhancing overall interoperability among smart home systems. This version aimed to simplify the user experience by reducing the need for multiple apps and allowing for more centralized control of diverse devices. Additionally, the update facilitated more seamless device communication, enhancing automated home management by enabling devices to make autonomous decisions based on user preferences and environmental data.

Continued Industry Adoption and Growth

The release of Matter 1.2 was supported by active participation from hundreds of industry-leading companies, reflecting strong industry uptake and support. This collective effort has underscored the standard’s growing influence and adoption, which is essential for achieving broader compatibility and ease of use in the smart home technology space.

As the year progressed, more Matter devices were hitting the market, with plans to extend Matter’s reach in the smart home sector through two more updates in line with its bi-annual release rhythm.

Around the same period, the Connectivity Standards Alliance also introduced the Aliro protocol, a separate initiative focused on secure mobile access control. While not part of the Matter specification, Aliro complements the Alliance’s broader mission of improving interoperability and security across connected ecosystems.

Matter 1.1: Enhancements for Developers and Devices

The release of Matter 1.1 on May 18, 2023, marked a significant evolution in the development of the Matter standard. This update primarily focused on enhancing developers’ ease of use and device functionality. It was the product of extensive collaboration within the Connectivity Standards Alliance, showcasing the collective efforts of hundreds of companies dedicated to refining this transformative technology.

Key improvements in Matter 1.1 aimed to simplify the certification process and accelerate product development times, making it more straightforward for device makers to bring their Matter-compliant products to market.

One of the hallmark features of Matter 1.1 was the enhanced support for Intermittently Connected Devices (ICDs), often called “sleepy devices.” These include battery-operated devices such as contact sensors, motion sensors, temperature sensors, door locks, and switches, which are pivotal in many smart home applications. The updates in this release specifically addressed the power conservation needs of these devices, ensuring they maintain optimal functionality while minimizing energy consumption. The improvements helped reduce instances where devices might be inaccurately reported as offline, thus enhancing device reliability and user interactions.

Furthermore, Matter 1.1 made significant strides in making the specification and open-source SDK more accessible and easier to understand for developers. Clarifications and enhancements in the specification documentation, guided by feedback from early adopters and developers, were implemented to streamline the development process. Additional support was also provided for developers to contribute to the Matter specification, particularly in extending support for new device types.

Testing and certification processes saw enhancements, too, with new automation tools that facilitated easier product pre-qualification. This sped up the time to market and improved the efficiency and comprehensiveness of testing conducted by Authorized Testing Laboratories (ATLs). These updates underscored the CSA’s commitment to reducing development complexity and fostering a more robust ecosystem of Matter-enabled devices.

Overall, Matter 1.1 significantly propelled the Matter initiative forward, aligning with the vision of creating a more secure, connected, and innovative IoT environment. This update enriched the developer experience and paved the way for more dynamic and user-centric smart home products.

Matter 1.0: Laying the Foundation for Interoperability

Released on October 4, 2022, by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), Matter 1.0 marked a key moment in the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape. With over 550 technology companies collaborating under the CSA’s umbrella, Matter 1.0 introduced a unified, IP-based connectivity protocol designed to simplify the complexity previously prevalent in the smart home device market. This specification ensured that devices from different manufacturers could work seamlessly together, enhancing the user experience through improved interoperability, heightened security, and simplified operations.

The launch of Matter 1.0 included the specification, a robust certification program, and a complete suite of testing tools and resources. These tools enabled manufacturers to bring innovative, compliant products to market quickly. Key features of Matter 1.0 included support for essential smart home product categories like lighting, HVAC controls, security systems, and more, running over foundational network technologies such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Thread, each providing distinct bandwidth and energy efficiency advantages. Thread, in particular, was highlighted for its ability to create a self-healing mesh network that grows stronger with each added device, enhancing the responsiveness and reliability of the entire network.

Furthermore, Matter 1.0 was distinguished by its commitment to security, incorporating advanced protocols like Public Key Infrastructure and distributed ledger technology to validate device certification and ensure the authenticity and security of connected devices. This foundational release set the stage for subsequent updates, aiming to expand the reach and capabilities of Matter-enabled devices across the globe.

Matter Development with New Specs

Specific requirements must be considered when building a Matter device according to the latest specifications. A Matter device must include a compatible radio, such as Wi-Fi or Thread for primary connectivity, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for commissioning during setup. It should also meet the necessary hardware standards to support the open-source implementation of the Matter software library.

The Matter specifications are designed to align with the cybersecurity criteria of the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, making it easier for manufacturers to meet those requirements, though obtaining the Mark itself remains a separate certification process.

Additionally, adapting your mobile application is necessary to align with the protocol’s pairing and interaction models. The potential for selecting a new chipset can make the development effort significant, especially when considering variances in radio compatibility and distinct software demands.

Outsourcing your IoT development to seasoned experts like Krasamo can benefit businesses exploring Matter development.

Professionals are expected to grasp the various Thread models, from Border Routers to End Devices, and be adept with command-line interface (CLI) commands to activate the Thread network.

By tapping into Krasamo’s IoT proficiency, businesses can effectively navigate and accelerate their Matter development process.

Matter Development Services

• Matter development: firmware applications, dedicated application layer
• App development: user experience (UX) design of Android Matter apps and iOS apps
• Architecture design: evaluate and select Matter hardware platforms
• Analyze use cases to select and implement functional security aspects, firmware attestation, authentication
• IoT open-source development agnostic mindset
• Compliance with Matter specifications and certification process
• Maintainability of Matter devices with the evolution of Matter revisions
• Adherence to Matter principles

References:

Alliance_Year_in_Review_2024

Matter 1.4 Enables More Capable Smart Homes

A Smarter Start: Matter 1.4.1 Makes Setup Easier