Ikea’s smart home tech set for a big upgrade that I’ve been waiting for

For a few years now, everyone’s favourite Swedish flat-pack furniture maker has been dabbling in smart home tech. And soon, I might actually be able to use one of Ikea’s smart home gadgets. That’s because after years of affordable yet frustratingly limited range of devices, Ikea is finally dipping a toe into Thread.

• Read more: Ikea smart lighting guide: the best Ikea lights to buy

According to recent regulatory filings spotted by CybermodStudios, Ikea has registered its first-ever Thread device with the FCC. It’s a temperature and humidity sensor called the Timmerflotte.

The Timmerflotte looks to be a simple battery-powered sensor, running on two AAA batteries. But it comes with an 11-digit Matter setup code for easy integration. That’s a sure sign that the new sensor will be ready for easy integration with all smart home systems. However, it’s also a sign of much more to come.

Ikea’s current smart home hub, the Dirigera, did add Matter support. But, it lacks Thread Border Router capabilities and isn’t a full-fledged Matter controller. This means the company doesn’t actually have a way to integrate the Timmerflotte into its existing smart home platform. So, either Ikea is about to drop a new hub with proper Matter and Thread support, or it’s quietly shifting towards selling standalone Matter-compatible products without any of the usual ecosystem baggage.

I’ve built my entire smart home around Apple’s HomeKit. Since the Timmerflotte uses Thread, it should, in theory, slot seamlessly into my HomeKit setup without me needing to buy anything extra. That alone is a game-changer. But—and there’s always a but with Ikea—it’s unclear exactly how Ikea plans to support this device within its own ecosystem.

There’s no official release date just yet, but given the FCC filing, I’d wager we’ll see the Timmerflotte hit stores sometime in 2025. No word on pricing either, but if Ikea sticks to its usual strategy, it’ll likely be an absolute bargain compared to the competition.

• Related: What is Matter? The new smart home standard explained

Connor Jewiss

About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around nine years now across the web and in print too. Connor has attended the biggest tech expos, including CES, MWC, and IFA – with contributions as a judge on panels at them. He's also been interviewed as a technology expert on TV and radio by national news outlets including France24. Connor has experience with most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he's a fan of gadgets of all sorts. Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup and venture capital scene, which puts him at the front of new and exciting tech - he is always on the lookout for innovative products.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home