Smart Home in 2026 — Where Are We Today and Where Are We Heading?
- Domotika
- Aug 16
- 5 min read
Just a few years ago, the smart home was a luxury for enthusiasts and tech geeks. Today, in 2026, the situation is completely different. Prices have dropped, installation has become simple, and the brands we carry at Domotika — Aqara, Shelly, Tedee, Homey, Home Assistant and others — are part of a global trend that shows no signs of stopping.
In this post we give you a complete overview of where the smart home stands today, what the biggest news is, and why 2026 is perhaps the most significant year yet for this industry.
Matter 1.6 — The Universal Language Has Become Reality
If there's one thing that has changed the smart home more than anything else, it's the Matter standard. Think of Matter as a universal language — you buy a product with the Matter logo and it works with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings and Home Assistant. No more being locked into one ecosystem.
In 2026, Matter is already on version 1.6 — the most mature and complete yet. New products from Aqara, Shelly, Meross and the other brands we carry come with Matter support as standard. This means that if you buy a smart device today, it will work in 10 years — regardless of how much the technological landscape changes.
Thread — Indispensable for Sensors and Locks
If Matter is the language, Thread is the network that carries that language for battery-powered devices — sensors, locks, buttons. Thread is the Zigbee of the future: a low-energy, self-organising mesh protocol that builds a stable and fast network.
In 2026, Thread support is standard for new smart devices. New models from Aqara, Meross and other brands support Thread as standard, and a Thread Border Router is built into more and more devices — smart speakers, routers and hubs.
It's important to know: Matter and Thread are not the same thing. Matter can run over Wi-Fi, Ethernet or Thread. Thread is just the network — Matter is the protocol. However, the Matter-over-Thread combination is ideal for battery-powered devices due to its low energy consumption.
Google Home Speaker 2026 — Gemini Enters the Living Room
One of the biggest pieces of news this year is the launch of the Google Home Speaker — Google's new smart speaker, launched on June 25, 2026 for $99.
Unlike previous Google speakers, this one is built from the ground up for Gemini — Google's artificial intelligence. The difference is enormous:
Natural speech — you don't have to memorise exact commands. Say "Turn off the lights in the living room and put something relaxing on" and Gemini will understand
Multiple commands — you can give several instructions at once
Conversation memory — Gemini remembers context for up to 15 minutes, enabling natural conversation
Thread Border Router — the speaker also acts as a hub for Matter/Thread devices
Camera history — with a Google Home Premium subscription, you can ask "Who came while I was out?" and Gemini will review the footage
Important note: the advanced AI features (Gemini Live, camera history) require a Google Home Premium subscription at $10/month after a 6-month free trial.
Apple — A Major Smart Home Offensive in 2026
Apple has long been criticised for lagging in the smart home race. That is changing in 2026. The company is planning a massive expansion with new products:
HomePad — Apple's new home hub. Described as a device with a 7-inch screen — something between an iPad and a HomePod. It will serve as a central hub for HomeKit, Matter and Thread devices, with Siri integration for voice control of the entire home.
New HomeKit camera — with audio monitoring and advanced AI features.
New HomePod mini 2 — an updated version of the popular compact smart speaker.
Apple TV 4K (new generation) — with the A17 Pro chip and a strengthened role as a smart home hub.
This is a clear signal: Apple is taking smart homes seriously. For users of Aqara products (which natively support HomeKit), this is excellent news — integration will only get better.
How Easy Is It to Set Up a Smart Home in 2026?
Honest answer: much easier than before. This is perhaps the biggest change in 2026 — the smart home is no longer just for tech enthusiasts.
With Matter: You buy a product, scan a QR code with your phone, and in 2 minutes it's connected to your app. No configuration, no technical knowledge needed.
With Shelly: Remove the old switch, put Shelly behind it, connect to Wi-Fi — done. The home looks the same but works smart.
With Aqara: Scan the QR code on the sensor, stick it on a door or window — it's live in under 3 minutes.
With Tedee: Mount it on the existing lock (without changing the cylinder) in 15 minutes — no locksmith, no renovation.
Simplicity is today's competitive advantage. Brands that can't offer a plug-and-play experience are losing market share.
Popular Brands in 2026
Aqara
Aqara remains the leader in the Zigbee and Thread/Matter ecosystem. New products in 2026 (Aqara U400 door lock with UWB technology for precise presence detection, Power Plug H2 RGB, G400 Select wired doorbell) show that the brand isn't slowing down. The integration with Apple HomeKit Secure Video remains particularly powerful.
Shelly
Shelly continues with its European approach — quality products at affordable prices. The GEN4 series (Dimmer GEN4, 1 GEN4, 1PM GEN4 with Matter, Zigbee and Bluetooth) has set a new standard. The Shelly Wall Display XL is a unique product with no equivalent in this price range.
Home Assistant
Home Assistant continues to grow and remains the favourite choice of advanced users. New hardware products (Green, Voice Preview Edition) have made Home Assistant accessible even to those without technical knowledge.
Homey
Homey Pro remains one of the most flexible hubs on the market — supporting Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Thread, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth simultaneously. Ideal for users with mixed systems.
Meross
Meross with Matter support has become a serious competitor — especially the line of smart plugs, blind controllers and glass panel switches.
Artificial Intelligence and the Smart Home
2026 is the year AI truly entered the smart home. Not just Google Gemini — but new trends across the board:
Predictive automation — systems learn from your habits and automatically adjust lights, temperature and appliances without you needing to set up automations.
Natural voice — Gemini, Siri and Alexa understand natural speech, not just short commands.
AI camera history — ask "Who delivered the packages today?" and AI will review the footage and answer.
Local AI — Home Assistant has started introducing local AI without the need for the cloud — maximum privacy.
Smart Home in Macedonia — Where Are We?
In Macedonia, awareness of the smart home is growing rapidly. More and more people are asking about smart locks, thermostats and cameras — not just enthusiasts, but apartment rental owners, hotels, restaurants and business premises.
Domotika has been operating in the Macedonian market since 2020 and we've witnessed this change first-hand. Projects that three years ago weren't even conceivable — 8 smart rental apartments in Ohrid, complete automation of commercial spaces — are reality today.
If you're still wondering whether a smart home is for you — the answer is simple: yes, and now is a better time than ever.
Contact us for a free consultation — we'll help you choose the right solution for your home, budget and lifestyle.
Domotika is the official authorised distributor of Aqara, Shelly, Tedee, Meross, Sonos, Home Assistant and Homey in Macedonia.
