# Streamlining Smart Home Configuration: The Effect of the Recent Matter Update on HomeKit Devices
The realm of smart home innovation is advancing swiftly, and one of the most notable changes in this field is the launch of the Matter standard. This open-source connectivity protocol aims to create a cohesive environment for smart home devices across various platforms, including Apple’s HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings. With the latest Matter update, configuring HomeKit-compatible devices is set to become significantly simpler, especially with new features like tap-to-pair and multi-device QR codes.
## Grasping Matter and HomeKit
Traditionally, manufacturers aiming to provide HomeKit compatibility were required to follow Apple’s precise guidelines and have their devices approved. This procedure presented challenges for numerous brands and restricted the range of HomeKit-compatible offerings accessible to users. However, the introduction of the Matter standard has removed these barriers. Any device that qualifies as Matter-compatible is also seamlessly compatible with HomeKit and other leading smart home ecosystems.
As of early 2023, all Matter devices receive the “Works With Apple Home” label without needing additional testing, drastically simplifying the process for manufacturers and broadening the choices available to consumers.
## Simplified Configuration Process
While the Matter standard has eased compatibility issues, the setup of Matter devices has frequently been tedious. Users have traditionally needed to scan separate QR codes for each device, which can be especially inconvenient for products like smart bulbs installed in hard-to-reach spots. The latest update to the Matter standard, version 1.4.1, introduces two major features aimed at streamlining this configuration process.
### Tap-to-Pair
A standout element of the recent update is the tap-to-pair capability. This feature enables users to connect devices simply by tapping them against the back of their iPhone, utilizing NFC technology. Although HomeKit has offered this pairing option for a while, very few products have taken advantage of it. Now that Matter officially supports tap-to-pair, it’s anticipated that more manufacturers will embrace this user-friendly feature, thereby making the setup process easier for consumers.
### Multi-Device QR Codes
Another notable improvement is the addition of multi-device QR codes. Previously, if customers purchased a multi-pack of Matter-compatible light bulbs, each bulb came with its individual QR code, requiring separate pairing for each unit. With the new update, users can scan a single QR code for an entire pack of bulbs, allowing them to integrate all of them into the Home app at once. This not only saves time but also enhances the overall experience for users. They will still have the option to manage each bulb independently, ensuring that convenience does not compromise functionality.
Moreover, the update resolves another common frustration: the necessity to open a manufacturer’s app to accept terms and conditions. With Matter 1.4.1, this process can now be completed within the “commissioner app” (like the Apple Home app), further simplifying the setup experience.
## Future Prospects
As with any standards evolution, it will take some time for these new features to be integrated into the products available on the market. Nevertheless, the improvements introduced by Matter 1.4.1 signify a substantial advancement in making smart home technology more accessible and user-friendly. Consumers can anticipate a future in which setting up smart devices is as effortless as tapping a phone or scanning a single code.
In summary, the most recent updates to the Matter standard hold the promise to transform the way we interact with smart home technologies, particularly those that work with HomeKit. As manufacturers start to adopt these newfound features, the vision of a seamless, interconnected smart home is becoming ever more achievable.
