Samsung SmartThings iOS Update Enables Siri Routines

Samsung has released an update to its SmartThings app for iOS devices, enabling users to activate smart home routines through Siri voice commands and enhancing control options on Apple Watch and iPhone lock screens.

The update integrates SmartThings with Apple's Siri Shortcuts, a built-in iOS feature that allows for automating multi-step tasks. This compatibility means iPhone, iPad, and HomePod users can now trigger routines created directly in the SmartThings app using voice instructions, without needing to open the app. For instance, a user could say, "Hey Siri, good morning," to simultaneously turn on lights, start a coffee maker, and raise smart blinds. Similarly, a "good night" command might dim lights, power off devices, and secure the home. Samsung officials described the change as a way to "bridge the gap between Galaxy and Apple devices to make it easier for everyone in the home to stay connected."

Previously, smart home systems from different manufacturers often operated in silos, limiting interoperability and forcing users to choose compatible devices within a single ecosystem. This update addresses that fragmentation by linking Samsung's platform, which supports a...