Samsung SmartThings Hub Drops Z-Wave Support
▼ Summary
– Aeotec announced the Smart Home Hub 2 at IFA, which is the fourth generation SmartThings hub and the first without Z-Wave radio support.
– The new hub offers twice the performance of its predecessor, upgraded hardware, USB expandability, and support for Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter.
– It is designed for local-first communications, allowing automations to run without internet, and is set to launch in Q4 2025.
– Z-Wave users must continue using the V3 hub, which Aeotec plans to discontinue at the end of 2026 but currently has ample inventory.
– Samsung outsourced hub manufacturing to Aeotec and now integrates SmartThings into its devices, but dedicated hubs like the Hub 2 are more powerful for larger setups.
The latest announcement from Aeotec at the IFA tech show signals a significant shift for the SmartThings ecosystem. The newly revealed Smart Home Hub 2, developed in collaboration with Samsung, represents the fourth generation of the platform but notably excludes Z-Wave support for the first time. This move marks a clear departure from one of the longstanding wireless protocols previously integral to the SmartThings experience.
According to Aeotec, the new hub delivers twice the performance of earlier models and includes a suite of upgraded features. These enhancements include USB expandability, support for Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter Controller capabilities, and a strong emphasis on local processing. Most automations will run directly on the hub, ensuring continued functionality even during internet outages. The device is expected to become available in the fourth quarter of 2025.
For current SmartThings users with investments in Z-Wave devices, the change means sticking with the existing V3 hub, also marketed as the Aeotec Smart Home Hub. Aeotec has confirmed it will discontinue the V3 model by the end of 2026 but assures customers that a final production run has just been completed, leaving ample stock available for the time being.
Samsung’s transition away from in-house hardware production began several years ago when it handed over hub manufacturing to Aeotec. Since then, the company has integrated SmartThings functionality directly into its TVs, soundbars, and various appliances, incorporating support for Matter and Thread. Still, a dedicated hub like the Smart Home Hub 2 offers superior performance, greater device capacity, enhanced local automation capabilities, and improved signal range, making it the preferred option for larger or more complex smart home configurations.
Until now, Aeotec’s hub was the sole gateway for integrating Z-Wave products within the SmartThings environment. With this new direction, however, that era appears to be coming to a close.
(Source: The Verge)
