Homebridge 2.0 officially launches with native Matter support
Developers have ended a three-year testing period to release a dual-protocol solution that fills gaps in Apple's HomeKit support while expanding compatibility to major rival platforms.
Homebridge, the popular open-source software that has long bridged non-HomeKit devices into Apple's ecosystem, has officially graduated from a three-year beta period. Version 2.0 launched on 4 May 2026, marking a strategic shift from a HomeKit-only bridge to a dual-protocol solution that natively supports the Matter smart home standard. The update was released by a community of contributors on GitHub, following more than three years of development initiated by original creator Nick Farina.
The primary driver for this release is the need to maintain full functionality for specific device categories as Apple shifts its strategy. Notably, robot vacuums are now supported by Apple via the Matter standard rather than the legacy HomeKit protocol. Without this update, such devices were forced to masquerade as generic switches or lights within the Home app. Homebridge 2.0 resolves this limitation by allowing these devices to appear as dedicated vacuums with complete control features.
Beyond Apple's ecosystem, the new version enables Homebridge to act as a Matter bridge for other platforms. This includes Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant. The software now facilitates cross-platform bridging, meaning Matter devices can appear in Apple Home through the software, while also allowing Homebridge plugins to be accessible from non-Apple Matter controllers like the Aqara app, though this latter capability will roll out gradually as individual plugins are updated.
The project aims to fill gaps in HomeKit support for new device types before Apple officially adds them, leveraging its existing ecosystem of over 4,000 plugins. While Matter was initially expected to render bridges obsolete, slow adoption by manufacturers and delayed support for specific categories by Apple have kept Homebridge relevant. The software continues to emulate the HomeKit accessory protocol for non-HomeKit devices, such as Ring cameras and Nest thermostats, while integrating new Matter capabilities.
Core maintainers, including NorthernMan5, described the update as laying the initial groundwork for Matter support. The team emphasises that the goal is a single platform that supports both HomeKit and Matter, backed by the vast library of existing plugins. However, users should note that while the core software is stable, full support for every device type will require individual plugin updates, meaning not every feature will be available from day one.
The software remains a free, open-source Node.js server that can run on various hardware, including computers, Raspberry Pis, and dedicated devices like HOOBS. As Apple continues to utilise Matter for new device introductions, Homebridge's evolution ensures that users seeking customisation and extended controls do not lose access to advanced features simply because the native protocol has changed.
