IKEA Launches New Smart Home Range: Embraces Matter and Thread Technology!

IKEA has announced the upcoming launch of a new line of smart home products, all compatible with the Matter home automation standard via Thread. The furniture giant emphasizes that this marks a new foundation for its smart home offerings, a foundation that has been partially previewed in recent months, particularly through regulatory filings. While not all details are yet known, especially the prices in euros, we now have a comprehensive overview of the twenty-one products that will be available in the iconic yellow and blue stores.

The lighting category will undergo a complete overhaul with a catalog of eleven bulbs in the KAJPLATS range, which will replace the current (and older) TRÅDFRI bulbs. The designer promises more features for these new products, especially in terms of colors and brightness. For example, the new E27 bulb (large screw) will be available in color and white with a maximum brightness of 1,055 lumens (currently 807 lumens). There will also be options for bulbs that only vary in shades of white, with three brightness levels: 470 lumens, 1,055 lumens, and 1,521 lumens for the most powerful model. Until now, IKEA had not offered a connected bulb with such high brightness, which is quite beneficial for adequately lighting a room.

Additionally, there will be three E14 bulbs (small screw), two GU10 spotlights, and three decorative bulbs with clear glass and a visible ribbon effect. The prices are expected to be close to the current ones, which remains a strong point of IKEA’s home automation offerings. For instance, the adjustable white E27 bulb at 1,055 lumens is currently priced at 10 euros, while the equivalent model from Hue is about three times more expensive.

Beyond these connected bulbs, IKEA is introducing five environmental sensors. MYGGSPRAY is a motion detector, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, a rarity in Thread and Matter worth mentioning. MYGGBETT is a sensor for doors and windows. TIMMERFLOTTE is an indoor thermometer and hygrometer with a small display to view data without needing a smartphone or home automation system, which is uncommon.

ALPSTUGA is an air quality sensor that also measures temperature and humidity, plus CO₂ and PM2.5 particles. It is designed to work with IKEA’s connected air purifiers, but can also be used in other scenarios via home automation. It even displays the time on its built-in screen, a clever addition. Lastly, KLIPPBOK is a leak detector that includes its own speaker, although it can also trigger automations in any home automation environment.

The line also includes a smart plug named GRILLPLATS, which additionally measures the energy consumed by the connected device. It can be controlled through home automation, of course, but IKEA also suggests pairing it with one of their new BILRESA remotes. The advantage here is a direct link between the two devices, independent of the Thread connection or home automation network. This setup is more reliable and faster and can be used just as today, between a remote and a bulb. Notably, this feature isn’t limited to the new range; a new remote can apparently be paired with older products, including a TRÅDFRI bulb or IKEA blinds.

Speaking of remotes, IKEA has planned two BILRESA models, starting with the most basic which includes two buttons. These allow for turning lights or a plug on and off, adjusting brightness or color, or activating a scene, depending on the setup. A more advanced model features a dial that can be turned to adjust color and brightness or manage scenes or groups. The Swedish manufacturer also plans to sell kits that include three remotes, even in bright colors, which is great for distinguishing between them more easily.

This entire range is natively compatible with the Matter software standard and is based on the Thread hardware protocol, two protocols that should not be confused. You can link these to the DIRIGERA home hub, which handles both connections (Zigbee, historically used by IKEA, and Thread) and can serve as a Matter controller. This makes it possible for it to become the hub of your home automation system, although it’s not a necessity.

Thanks to these standards, you can purchase IKEA’s products without needing a home connection bridge. If you are using Apple’s home automation ecosystem, you can connect them directly to Home without an additional hub, provided you have a HomeKit hub that also acts as a Thread border router. Currently, this means you need a HomePod mini, HomePod 2, or an Apple TV 4K with Ethernet released after 2021.

In its communications, IKEA mentions that these products will be available from January 2026. However, sources like The Verge have received additional information directly from the company suggesting that part of the range might be available in Europe as early as this November. They add that the lighting products are expected by spring, meaning the sensors, the plug, and the remotes would likely be available first. Additionally, they have obtained two prices for the UK: the basic remote at 3 pounds (approximately 3.4 euros), while the most expensive product, the air sensor, would be 25 pounds (around 28.4 euros). IKEA aims to remain very competitive with its home automation, which is excellent news for consumers.

In an interview with Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, an IKEA executive added that this is just the beginning. Now that the new standards-based foundation is in place, the company intends to expand its range and explore new horizons in home automation. Given IKEA’s reputation for quality and value, this is indeed very promising news.