iOS 18 Allows Control Over Matter Devices Without a Hub or Thread Border Router

New Apple Update Alert! With the release of iOS 18, Apple Home users’ lives just got easier. IOS 18 allows you to control Matter Devices without a smart hub or Thread Border Router. This means the extra hardware for Matter Hubs is not necessary!  

Let me elaborate! 

What Are the New Features Added Through iOS 18?

To unlock these new features the iPhone should have iOS 18 (iPhone 15 or newer).  

1. Direct Local Control

With the iOS 18 update users can add and control Matter-enabled devices directly with an iPhone (Apple Home app) without the need of an additional hub or a Thread border router.

2. Thread Radio Support

iPhones with Thread radios (starting with iPhone 15 Pro) can control Thread enabled devices directly, which offers better connectivity and reliability.

3. Hubs are Now Optional

As I mentioned before, additional Matter Hubs are not required anymore. However, I would recommend having a Home Hub such as HomePod or Apple TV that will allow more advanced home automation. For basic control of Matter devices such as Aqara Hub M3 or Govee Matter devices, a hub is no longer required.

4. Support for Mains-Powered Devices

Initially, only mains-powered Matter-over-Thread devices such as Eve Matter Light Switches and Eve Energy Smart Plugs are compatible with the new features. Battery powered devices will need firmware updates for compatibility.

5. Enhanced Apple Home Experience

IOS 18 brings Matter and HomeKit closer to feature parity. This simplifies the device setups and control via the Apple Home App.

6. Hands-free Unlock with Home Keys

Taking out your iPhone to unlock your doors is now not necessary. Unlock the door as you approach the home.

7. Guest Access

Now you can provide time-based access to up to 29 guests in the Home app, this works for locks, garage doors and alarm systems. The Guest activity will be logged in to the Activity History, which is displayed for 30 days of activity including time, the accessory used and the name of the person.

8. Control Robot Vacuum Cleaners in the Home App.

The robot vacuum cleaners are now able to participate in automations, scenes and Siri voice commands. Matter compatible robot vacuum cleaners can be added and controlled through the Apple Home App.

9. Electricity Usage and Rates

Easy access to home electricity information from the Home app.

What is Apple Home and Matter Compatibility?

Apple Home Matter journey began when it joined the Connectivity Standard Alliance (CSA) to help and develop a universal smart home standard. Initially, Apple’s primary goal was to break the segments in smart homes by supporting Matter, which allows devices from different brands to work seamlessly with Apple HomeKit.  

Apple announced its support for Matter at WWDC in 2021 signaling a new era of compatibility with Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings. Apple progressed with the iOS 16 update where they introduced Matter support the Apple Home app. This update simplified the process of adding Matter-enabled devices to Apple Home app. During this stage Matter bridge solutions for non-Matter devices were necessary as HomeKit did not support many brands.  

While this integration made the whole process easier, Apple wanted to maintain their core values of privacy and security. With each update Matter functionality was enabled in HomeKit, making it easy to control a wide range of devices from different ecosystems without the compromise of user data security.  

This brings us to today, where we are now. With iOS 18 update Apple has made significant advancements. IOS 18 introduced even more intuitive controls in the Apple Home app, improving the setup and management of Matter-enabled devices. Now the onboarding process for new smart devices has become faster. The need of Matter hubs or even Matter controllers is completely omitted (it is still recommended however, as it allows for better home automation.) 

What this Means for iOS 18/ Apple Users?

As indicated in the features above, it is easy for an iOS 18 Matter integration to happen. In other words, no extra hubs are needed for Matter devices to work with the Home app. Moreover, with the update users can now enjoy a more secure and automated smart home, with better and newer features. You can now have local control over your Matter devices which further ensure privacy and security. New devices such as the robot vacuum cleaners can now directly integrate with Apple Home app. This update allows you to have a truly automated home experience.  

What Can iOS 18 Do for Matter in 2026?

iOS 18's hubless Matter control transformed my smart home setup. It enables direct management of Thread devices without extra hardware. As we hit 2026, these firsthand experiences highlight key evolutions in Apple Home and Matter interoperability.

1. Legacy HomeKit Phase-Out

On February 10, 2026, Apple discontinued the original HomeKit architecture. This mandated a full Matter transition. In my setup, this eliminated legacy delays. It delivered faster responses for lights, locks, and sensors directly via iOS 18. The change streamlines what "Matter without a hub" truly means.

2. Thread 1.4 Network Upgrade

Updating my Apple TV to tvOS 26 activated Thread 1.4. It created a unified mesh across multi-brand devices. This hubless control now handles diverse Thread ecosystems reliably. Amazon and Google compatibility advanced in 2026 for broader iOS 18 smart home networks.

3. Expanded Matter Device Support

CES 2026 introduced Matter-certified additions like DJI robotic vacuums. I integrated them seamlessly into Apple Home. iOS 18.4's support for smoke/CO detectors and water leak sensors provides real-time Home app notifications. All work without border routers.

4. Enhanced Apple Hardware

New HomePod mini and Apple TV models feature upgraded networking chips. They boosted my Matter performance this year. The anticipated dedicated smart home hub promises advanced presence detection and Siri personalization. It perfects hubless Thread control in iOS 18.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while one of the major features is the local control over your Matter devices it is also important to note that having a hub poses many different benefits and allows you to have a better automated home. While features such as timely-based guest access and hands-free door unlocks are greatly praised by many users, iOS 18 users can also enjoy amazing home automation!