IKEA to Launch 21 New Matter-Compatible Smart Home Devices in January 2026

The Swedish home furnishings giant, IKEA, has officially unveiled a substantial expansion of its smart home product ecosystem. This massive undertaking involves the introduction of 21 new devices, all designed for complete interoperability using the industry-unifying Matter standard. This announcement signals a fundamental strategic pivot for IKEA, aimed squarely at dismantling the pervasive fragmentation that has long complicated the market for connected devices. The launch of this extensive new portfolio is set for January 2026. By making this commitment, IKEA positions itself as one of the first major global retailers to fully transition to the Matter ecosystem, definitively moving past its previous reliance on the proprietary Zigbee protocol.

The primary driver behind this significant technological overhaul is the ambition to provide consumers with truly seamless, plug-and-play integration. The full suite of 21 new products—which spans essential categories including lighting, environmental sensing, and physical control—is engineered to function flawlessly across all major smart home platforms. This broad compatibility encompasses key players such as Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. For the end-user, this means liberation from vendor lock-in. They will no longer be forced to commit to a single brand or platform, gaining the unprecedented ability to freely combine and utilize the best solutions available from various manufacturers, solving a major pain point that previously hindered mass adoption.

Among the products announced is the expanded Kajplats smart lamp collection, which alone features eleven distinct variations. These lighting options cover a wide range of common household fittings, including the standard E27/E26 Globe bases, smaller P45 E14 bulbs, and specialized GU10 spot lights. The light output capabilities are varied and robust, ranging from a modest 470 lumens up to a powerful 1521 lumens. Beyond illumination, IKEA is introducing a wide spectrum of sensors: dedicated motion detectors, sensors for door/window opening and closing status, devices monitoring temperature and humidity, and sophisticated air quality sensors. It has been reported that select air quality models will even incorporate CO2 monitoring. For physical interaction and command, the lineup will feature the new BILRESA remotes and GRILLPLATS smart plugs.

The technological backbone making this new level of universal compatibility possible is Thread. Thread is a low-power wireless mesh networking protocol that operates directly over IP. This architecture allows devices to communicate locally within the home network, which ensures near-instantaneous command response times and guarantees that crucial automation scenarios remain functional even during temporary internet outages. Furthermore, IKEA has proactively prepared its existing infrastructure: a recent firmware update successfully converted the popular IKEA Dirigera hub into a fully capable Matter controller and a vital Thread Border Router. This upgrade means the Dirigera hub can now manage not only the new IKEA products but also Matter-compatible devices manufactured by any other brand, establishing it as a powerful central nexus for the modern smart home.

IKEA has been quick to emphasize that despite embracing these advanced Matter-over-Thread technologies, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to affordability. Prices are promised to stay comparable with current offerings, which are known for starting at highly accessible price points. This strategic maneuver is poised to reshape the smart home landscape, offering consumers the opportunity to build a genuinely integrated and intuitive system. By prioritizing open standards and broad compatibility, IKEA is ensuring that the inherent complexity of underlying technology gives way to simplicity of use and widespread functionality for everyone.