Without much fanfare, another update to the Matter standard quietly appeared on GitHub in late June 2025. Version 1.4.2 (link) is going to be a maintenance update that delivers numerous improvements. While it doesn’t introduce any new device types, it’s a clear sign of the ongoing work behind the cross-manufacturer protocol.
Focus on Stability and Robustness
Many of the changes in Matter 1.4.2 are aimed at improving reliability and fixing minor bugs. For instance, the update resolves issues in device-to-device communication, including incorrect memory releases and unhandled exceptions. Group sessions are now managed more robustly, and device behavior has been improved when malformed messages are received. The commissioning process – how new devices are introcuded to a Matter Fabric – has also been optimized. A specific issue where certain TVs failed to complete the pairing process correctly should now be resolved.
Wireless Improvements: BLE and Wi-Fi
Among other technologies, Matter uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for initial setup. In version 1.4.2, the BLE test infrastructure has been revamped. Instead of using its in-house “nlunit” system, Matter now integrates Pigweed, an open-source testing and logging framework developed by Google (link). Already used in Pixel smartphones and Nest thermostats, Pigweed provides a robust infrastructure for testing and debugging Matter implementations.
The use of Pigweed’s extensive libraries and tools is expected to boost Matter’s code quality and stability. Among other things, it supports parallel testing across multiple devices and enables modern embedded development practices using C++. Over time, the switch should lead to more reliable testing, better code maintenance, and increased portability.
BLE gets practical improvements, too: Matter now supports commissioning using concatenated QR codes (see below) and discriminators. On the Wi-Fi and IPv6 front, developers have improved the detection of Unique Local Addresses (ULAs), helping to prevent routing errors that could cause devices to become unreachable or misidentified on the network.
What is Concatenated QR?
Concatenated QR is a method used in the Matter standard that allows multiple QR codes to be combined. This approach allows the transmission of longer or more complex device onboarding data than would be possible with a single QR code. Alternatively, the process can also simplify the setup of several devices that are sold together, for example in multipacks of light bulbs or other smart home devices.
The standardized graphic code of Matter devices contains the vendor ID and product ID, the 11-digit setup PIN (passcode), an identification code (discriminator), security information and additional setup data (e.g. for Thread or Wi-Fi). Its data volume is limited: The QR code can contain a maximum of 128 characters (in encoded Base38 form). This is not always sufficient for complex devices or security applications.
Concatenated QR solves the problem by linking several such codes. Instead of squeezing all the information into a single cube pattern, the manufacturer can provide multiple QR codes, usually printed on the device or in the packaging. These codes are numbered (e.g. “1 of 2”, “2 of 2”) or contain a position marker. The set-up app on the smartphone recognizes that these are segments of a multipart QR code and prompts the user to scan the other codes. At the end, the app puts all the parts together to create a complete data set and starts the commissioning process.
Platform Support: Nordic, ESP32, Apple & More
Last but not least, version 1.4.2 brings crypto and security improvements as well as changes to the core library. The hardware platforms on which Matter runs benefit from further adjustments. Among other things, interaction with ESP32, Nordic nRF (Zephyr), EFR32 (Silicon Labs), and Darwin (Apple devices) has been optimized. This is particularly relevant for manufacturers and developers, but it also shows how intensively Matter is being maintained on various platforms.
A New Rhythm for Matter Releases
One notable aspect of Matter 1.4.2 is that it exists at all – and how soon it follows version 1.4.1. Originally, Matter updates were planned as major version jumps every six months: 1.0 (October 2022), 1.1 (May 2023), 1.2 (October 2023), 1.3 (May 2024), and 1.4 (October 2024). With the release of 1.4.1 in spring 2025, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) broke that pattern, introducing minor interim releases focused on incremental improvements and bug fixes.
That’s a sensible change. It makes the development process more transparent and allows for quicker resolution of issues without waiting for the next major milestone. For manufacturers, it means better planning. For end users, more stability. Version 1.4.2 is a strong case in point. However, it will likely be several weeks before the CSA officially releases the final version.
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