Major Matter Standard Update Simplifies HomeKit Device Setup with Tap-to-Pair and Multi-Device QR Codes

The smart home industry just got a little smarter. With the release of Matter version 1.4.1, setting up HomeKit-compatible devices is about to become much faster, more intuitive, and less of a hassle. This update introduces critical changes that promise to reduce the friction of onboarding new smart gadgets—especially in homes relying on Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem. Gone are the days of scanning separate QR codes for every device or fumbling with bulbs in ceiling sockets just to connect them.

The Matter protocol, already known for streamlining smart home compatibility across Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings, now brings an even tighter focus on user experience. In this breakdown, we’ll explore how the new features are set to reshape the process of configuring smart home devices, what this means for manufacturers and consumers, and how these seemingly small changes represent a leap forward in smart home usability.

Matter 1.4.1: A Smarter Setup Experience in

Matter has revolutionized smart home compatibility by eliminating platform-specific limitations.
All Matter-certified devices are automatically compatible with HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings.
HomeKit devices no longer need Apple-specific certification—just Matter compliance.
Until now, the device setup process could still be tedious.
Users often had to scan QR codes individually for each device.
Some devices required being powered on while pairing, complicating ceiling-mounted devices.
Matter 1.4.1 addresses these issues with a more refined setup protocol.
The biggest highlight is the official addition of tap-to-pair via NFC.
HomeKit has supported this feature, but adoption was minimal.
With Matter now backing tap-to-pair, wider implementation is expected.
A simple tap of a device on your iPhone could soon complete the setup.
Manufacturers are not required but are encouraged to adopt tap-to-pair.

The second major upgrade is multi-device QR codes.

Previously, buying a 4-pack of smart bulbs meant scanning four separate QR codes.
Now, one QR code can onboard multiple devices at once.
After scanning, each bulb still appears as a separate item in the app.
This feature is ideal for bundles like smart plugs, sensors, or lights.

It significantly cuts down on setup time.

The update also removes the need to use third-party apps for TOS acceptance.
Now, users can complete agreements directly in the commissioner app (e.g., Apple Home).
This aligns with Matter’s goal of frictionless smart home management.
It removes yet another barrier in the user experience.
These changes are part of the Matter 1.4.1 protocol update.
Rollout will be gradual as device makers adopt the new version.
Consumers should look for updated firmware or newly released products.
Tap-to-pair is optional, so adoption may vary by brand.
Multi-device QR support will likely become standard among major vendors.
The overall result: faster, simpler, and more user-friendly device setup.
Matter 1.4.1 is a notable step in making smart homes truly plug-and-play.
The smart home experience is getting closer to “just works” simplicity.
Apple’s ecosystem, in particular, stands to benefit significantly.

What Undercode Say:

From a technical perspective, Matter 1.4.1 is a quiet revolution. Although this update doesn’t add new device categories or flashy features, it directly tackles one of the biggest pain points in the smart home industry: usability during setup.

Tap-to-pair via NFC is not new technology—HomeKit has supported it for years—but hardware support was scarce due to the lack of industry standardization. Now, with Matter officially embracing it, device makers finally have a unified reason to adopt it. This could result in a major shift across product lines in 2025, where smart locks, thermostats, and sensors start shipping with NFC-ready capabilities out of the box. Consumers win big here, as the experience becomes seamless—especially for Apple users, who can just tap and connect.

Multi-device QR codes are arguably even more impactful in daily use. For anyone setting up multiple bulbs or outlets, this is a game-changer. It reduces time, error rates, and frustration. It also supports scalability—critical as smart homes become more common not just in enthusiast circles, but in mainstream households and apartment complexes.

Matter’s design philosophy has always centered around unifying smart home standards and reducing fragmentation. But Matter 1.4.1 shows the consortium now has its sights on refining the end-user journey, not just technical compatibility. By streamlining setup and eliminating unnecessary steps (like launching a third-party app for terms), the protocol evolves from merely functional to truly user-centered.

Device manufacturers, particularly budget brands or smaller vendors, should be paying close attention. Failing to adopt tap-to-pair or multi-device QR support may soon look outdated in a market where ease of use is becoming a major selling point.

From a security and user data perspective, enabling in-app terms agreements through commissioner apps like Apple Home also mitigates risk. It gives end-users a more transparent and centralized control experience without additional data exchange through third-party apps.

In short, Matter 1.4.1 isn’t just about adding features—it’s about maturing the smart home experience.

Fact Checker Results

Tap-to-pair via NFC is now officially supported in the Matter protocol, but not mandatory.
Multi-device QR codes are confirmed in Matter 1.4.1, significantly streamlining setup.
Apple Home’s commissioner app now allows in-app terms agreement, verified in update documentation.

Prediction

In the next 12 to 18 months, Matter 1.4.1’s impact will reshape how consumers perceive smart home setups. Tap-to-pair will see a sharp uptick in adoption, particularly among premium device makers aiming for an Apple-like seamlessness. Meanwhile, multi-device QR codes will become a standard feature across bundled devices, setting new usability expectations. The brands quickest to integrate these features will dominate user preference rankings, while others risk falling behind in the UX race.