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The Samsung SmartThings ecosystem has often been overlooked by many smart home enthusiasts, especially when compared to more prominent options like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. While SmartThings has long contained a few lesser-known features, recent months have seen Samsung implementing major enhancements that make the platform much more compelling.
A significant portion of these updates centers around Galaxy AI. During the recent Galaxy Unpacked event in summer 2025, Samsung announced a variety of new functionalities that elevate SmartThings from a secondary option to a platform that deserves serious consideration.
If you’ve missed the latest news, here’s a quick overview of what’s new.
### Routine Creation Assistant
Smart home systems aim to make life easier, but configuring complex routines and triggers can be challenging for casual users. The new Routine Creation Assistant simplifies this process by allowing you to set up intelligent automation through simple voice commands or app requests. Instead of navigating intricate menus, you just tell SmartThings what you want, and it automates all the necessary steps.
For example, imagine wanting a morning routine that gently brightens your bedroom lights starting at 6:45 a.m., begins brewing coffee at 6:55 a.m., and plays your favorite playlist at 7 a.m. Instead of manually configuring each action, you simply ask SmartThings to create the routine, and it handles everything automatically. This feature leverages the platform’s Delay Actions, enabling seamless staggered commands based on your instructions.
### Confirm to Run Actions
One issue with many smart home setups is that they tend to favor single-user households. Creating routines with multiple conditions, such as ensuring a spouse is out of the house before activating a device, adds complexity. The new Confirm to Run Actions feature introduces an extra layer of security by prompting users for confirmation before executing commands. For instance, it can verify that no one is home before arming the security system, adding peace of mind.
### Virtual Home
Perhaps the most futuristic update is Virtual Home. Though it has been available in beta for some time, it’s not yet universally accessible. Virtual Home allows you to simulate your smart home environment in a virtual space, helping you visualize how different devices interact and operate within your setup. It’s a powerful tool for experimentation and planning.
Accessible via the SmartThings app and through the website https://virtual.smartthings.com/, Virtual Home offers a virtual environment where users can test new gadgets and configurations. Be warned—this feature can be resource-intensive and may run slowly on less powerful devices.
Beyond these major features, Samsung has also revamped the Apple Watch app for quicker device control directly from your wrist, making it easier to switch between devices without retrieving your phone. The SmartThings Find service now also incorporates new sharing capabilities, allowing you to send links to help friends and family locate lost items from any device, including iPhones.
Additionally, Samsung is expanding its Calm Onboarding feature, designed to streamline the setup and connection process for compatible products. Currently available in 14 countries, it’s planned to roll out to 58 nations by the end of the expansion.
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