Eve Energy
AppleInsider may earn an affiliate commission on purchases made through links on our site.
Eve has started the rollout of an optional firmware update to support Matter on Apple devices, but Homekit-only users aren't being left behind.
People who have Eve Energy, Eve Door & Window, and Eve Motion smart home products will see the update via their iPhone or iPad running iOS or iPadOS 16.2, which Apple will release in the near future.
Users who choose to install the optional update can still use HomeKit features in Eve's app and Apple's Home app. Features include schedules, child locks, and advanced automation. However, Eve says customers who upgrade their devices to Matter can't migrate them back to a HomeKit-only setup.
As the Eve firmware update rolls out, customers will gain access to the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem, with Google Home and Amazon Alexa access coming as soon as those companies make them available.
How to update
- Users will need a Thread Border Router as a smart home hub. These include the HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K second-generation, or Apple TV 4K third generation, 128GB model.
- Make sure the hub is updated to the latest tvOS version and connected to the network.
- Upgrading the firmware on an Eve device to Matter requires iOS 16.2 or iPadOS 16.2 or later.
- Apply to enroll in the Early Access Program by completing the form here. Once enrolled, users will receive an email from Eve with TestFlight access to the firmware update.
Matter
Matter is a new protocol that lets devices from different companies talk to each other on the same network.
Apple's HomePod mini will work alongside Matter-supported Google Nest devices or Amazon Alexa devices, so people don't have to buy additional hardware. It works with HomeKit and other connection standards instead of replacing them.
Companies can implement Matter in devices through Wi-Fi, Thread, or Bluetooth Low Energy. Matter also supports Ethernet.
