Homebridge 2.0 brings built in Matter support, creating a new bridge that lets Apple Home and other platforms connect Matter devices more directly, the Homebridge project said and The Verge reported.
Homebridge is an open source Node server that for years has used plugins to emulate Apple HomeKit accessories for devices that do not offer native HomeKit support. Starting with 2.0, Homebridge will act as both a HomeKit bridge and a Matter bridge, so Matter devices can appear in Apple Home and systems that support Matter can more easily share state and commands, the Homebridge release said.
Homebridge 2.0 and Matter support
The project said Homebridge still relies on a large plugin ecosystem to translate device specifics into HomeKit or Matter conventions. Developers have published more than 4,000 plugins, and the 2.0 update rewires the underlying framework so those plugins can register Matter capable devices more faithfully, the release said.
That technical change is not about a prettier interface, it is about reducing the layers of translation between a device and Apple Home. Homebridge 2.0 aims to make older or cloud dependent devices feel closer to native accessories by exposing device types and traits that Matter standardizes.
What it means for robot vacuums and other devices
One clear example is robot vacuums. Previously many vacuums showed up in HomeKit as a simple switch or as a light, because the adapter had to pick a closest match. With Matter integrated into Homebridge 2.0, the system can identify a device as a vacuum cleaner and let plugins restore features such as zone cleaning and room controls, The Verge reported.
That recognition matters because it lets app developers and plugins offer the same buttons and presets users expect from native accessories. For long term Home app users, Homebridge 2.0 promises fewer workarounds, and a more consistent set of controls across Ring, Nest, and other brands.
Why cross platform buyers benefit
Many households mix products from different manufacturers, each with its own cloud service and app. Homebridge 2.0 helps collect that fragmented hardware under one control surface so users log in fewer times and wait less for cloud responses, the Homebridge team said.
In dense Hong Kong apartments, where air conditioners, doorbells, security cameras, and LED strips often come from different brands, Homebridge 2.0 can make daily control feel smoother by reducing the number of separate apps and cloud round trips.
The Homebridge project and developers still recommend checking each plugin for compatibility, because device specific features remain dependent on how thoroughly a plugin maps a product to Matter and HomeKit capabilities. Users should review plugin documentation before migrating a routine that they rely on.
Reporting for this story is based on the Homebridge 2.0 release and coverage by The Verge. Draft metadata and social text were provided by ZTYLEZMAN, with the original reporting dated May 5, 2026.
