Ikea’s Big Move into Matter: Affordable Smart Homes for Everyone

A New Chapter for Smart Homes Begins

Smart home technology has always held promise, but often at a high cost—especially for Apple HomeKit users. Ikea is now rewriting that narrative. With the rise of the universal Matter standard, smart home ecosystems are becoming more accessible, and Ikea is taking full advantage of this shift. The company has announced plans to release more than 20 new affordable Matter-compatible smart home devices, signaling a strong commitment to both innovation and affordability. As Matter eliminates the need for brand-specific integration hurdles, Ikea’s move marks a major milestone in democratizing smart home access for millions of users.

Ikea Embraces Matter: The Full Story

Ikea’s journey in the smart home arena has always been unique. Known for budget-friendly yet functional designs, the company’s earlier foray into smart lighting and sensors was met with interest, though many users were frustrated by slow HomeKit support. However, the landscape has changed significantly with the rise of the Matter standard. Unlike HomeKit, which required Apple-specific certification, Matter is a universal protocol that ensures compatibility with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings—all without brand-specific red tape.

With Matter, Ikea can now build devices that seamlessly work across ecosystems, and that’s exactly what they’re doing. Starting in January, the Swedish brand will launch over 20 new smart home devices supporting Matter over Thread, a mesh networking protocol that boosts performance and reliability. According to David Granath from Ikea of Sweden, this rollout will include smart lights, remotes, and sensors—with plans to expand into brand-new product categories over time.

The backbone of Ikea’s smart home infrastructure, the Dirigera hub, is also getting a major over-the-air update. This will allow it to support both Matter and Thread standards, although initially only for devices that Ikea currently sells. For now, that means lights and sensors—but the company strongly hints that robot vacuums, smart locks, and even smart appliances may be on the horizon.

HomeKit users won’t need the Dirigera hub at all. Thanks to Matter compatibility, Ikea’s new products will work directly within Apple’s Home app. Affordability remains front and center: many new devices will start at under \$10, staying true to Ikea’s philosophy of making design and technology accessible to all.

The company’s lineup is set to grow beyond just sensors and lights. Alongside these smart home devices, Ikea is also expected to release complementary accessories such as ultra-compact chargers from Anker and Apple-branded power accessories, possibly bundled or cross-promoted for tech-savvy households.

What Undercode Say:

Ikea’s Strategic Shift Reflects Industry-Wide Transformation

Ikea’s embrace of Matter marks more than just a product refresh—it’s a full-scale transformation in how the brand views its role in the smart home industry. While the initial offerings remain limited to lights, sensors, and remotes, the company is signaling intent to expand into broader categories, potentially competing with tech giants.

From an analytical perspective, Ikea’s approach makes strong business sense. First, the timing aligns with consumer demand for more affordable and interoperable devices. Matter and Thread provide a future-proof framework, eliminating consumer hesitation tied to ecosystem lock-in. Ikea’s decision to adopt these standards positions it favorably against competitors who still operate within proprietary systems.

Secondly, the affordability strategy cannot be overstated. While companies like Apple, Google, or Samsung often position their smart products as premium or luxury offerings, Ikea enters with a “mass-market meets smart tech” philosophy. Products under \$10 eliminate barriers to entry and appeal to first-time smart home users or those upgrading on a budget.

Third, the update to the Dirigera hub is a subtle but crucial move. Although Apple users won’t need the hub, it provides an upgrade path for Ikea to experiment with more complex smart home setups in the future. As the hub expands its compatibility with new device types, Ikea can grow its market share without reinventing the user experience.

Lastly, branding and design remain Ikea’s quiet strengths. Clean Scandinavian design, coupled with Matter’s cross-platform support, creates a compelling mix of style, function, and universal compatibility. The company is not just selling devices—it’s offering a full lifestyle upgrade.

✅ Fact Checker Results

✅ All new Ikea smart home devices will support Matter and Thread starting January.
✅ HomeKit compatibility is automatic through Matter—no extra hub required for Apple users.
✅ Devices are expected to start under \$10, making them among the most affordable on the market.

🔮 Prediction

Ikea is poised to become a top player in the global smart home space by the end of 2026. As Matter becomes the standard, users will increasingly gravitate toward affordable, reliable options that “just work”—a perfect niche for Ikea. Expect a broader product range including smart plugs, air purifiers, or even kitchen appliances, all seamlessly integrated across platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa. Ikea’s deep retail presence, combined with low pricing and high compatibility, could make it the default choice for the average smart home buyer worldwide.