From the start, it was clear: the Matter standard would continue to evolve. New features would be added, details improved, and bugs fixed. That’s why the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA, link) publishes updated specifications multiple times per year. A biannual release cycle has become standard, and as of now, we’re on Matter version 1.4.1. An overview of past releases can be found on the Matter timeline.
Why the Matter Version Matters
The Matter version determines which device types are supported and what features are available. While early versions like Matter 1.0 or 1.1 only covered basic functions – such as for outlets, lights, or thermostats – later releases added much more. Matter 1.2, for instance, introduced support for air sensors, home appliances, and robot vacuums. Matter 1.3 enabled standardized energy data reporting, and Matter 1.4 expanded energy management to more product categories.
To use these additional features, a device must be certified for the appropriate version, and the smart home ecosystem must also support that version. For example: Robot vacuums, added in Matter 1.2 (October 2023), only became usable with Apple Home in spring 2025, because iOS didn’t yet offer control elements for them in the Home app.
How to Determine the Matter Version
A Matter logo on the packaging or a “Matter-compatible” label in an online store unfortunately won’t reveal which version the device supports. Manufacturers are not required to share this information. In some cases, though, it would be useful – especially since the initial release (Matter 1.0) still had some teething problems that were resolved in later versions. If a product keeps running into network issues for instance, it might be worth filtering out those early candidates. So how can one tell which Matter version a device is certified for? There are some clues.
1. CSA Certification Database
The most important source is the certification directory from the CSA – the organization that oversees Matter. Their public database (link) lists all certified products along with their specification version. Searching by product name or manufacturer reveals the field “Specification Version: Matter X.x.” This indicates the version the device was tested against, meaning it should support the corresponding features.
The search process takes patience, though. Product names in the CSA database don’t always match the branding used in retail, and some entries appear multiple times due to regional variants or model differences. Using the exact model number from the label and paying attention to formatting issues like extra spaces or case sensitivity can improve search accuracy.
A bigger issue: If a product receives a firmware update after certification, the listing doesn’t always get updated. Some devices still show their original version in the database. Take Meross smart plugs, for instance: The CSA site lists them as version 1.0 or 1.2, even though the manufacturer has rolled out Matter 1.4 firmware (see below). Products like the MSS315 now report energy usage – something that’s technically impossible under version 1.0 or 1.2. Whether the database entry is outdated or the updated firmware hasn’t been recertified is unclear.
2. Manufacturer Information
Besides the database, additional online sources should be consulted. Manufacturer support sections are a good starting point. FAQ pages and product datasheets sometimes include information about the supported Matter version. Companies like TP-Link release press statements about updates that modify the Matter specification (link). Samsung SmartThings (link) is also quite open about such changes. However, this is done on a voluntary basis and lacks any consistent system. Clear and easy-to-follow release notes for tracking changes, like those from Eve Systems (link), are still rare.
3. Feature-Based Deductions
In some cases, the Matter version can also be inferred indirectly – based on features that are only available starting with a certain specification. The previously mentioned energy management is one example. For robot vacuums, selective zone cleaning can serve as an indicator: this feature was only added in Matter 1.4. Models still running version 1.2 cannot be directly assigned to specific rooms via a Matter platform like Apple Home.
Such conclusions should be treated with caution, however. Some devices only partially support features or activate them later via updates, even though they have already been certified under a newer version. Conversely, a device certified for Matter 1.4 may omit certain functions if the manufacturer deems them unnecessary.
Conclusion: Lack of Transparency
The Matter standard promises compatibility, simplification, and interoperability — yet a closer look reveals a significant information gap. It is difficult for consumers to determine which Matter version a device is based on and which functions are actually available on their chosen platform. Packaging and product descriptions generally provide no clues. This leaves consumers with no choice but to research in a certification database that apparently was not designed for this purpose, as well as in the often incomplete manufacturer support pages and datasheets.
Even after this effort, there is no guarantee that the information found is current. For a smart home standard aiming to reduce barriers, this entry hurdle is quite high – and the risk of disappointment considerable.
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