Samsung SmartThings iPhone update: run routines with Siri, Apple Watch control and Live Activities improvements

Samsung has updated its SmartThings app for iPhone to add compatibility with Siri Shortcuts, letting users invoke SmartThings routines via Siri voice commands. That means automations created in SmartThings can be dragged into Apple’s Shortcuts app and then triggered with a simple “Hey Siri” phrase.

The update also brings tighter Apple integration: SmartThings devices and device groups can now be viewed and controlled from the Apple Watch, and iOS Live Activities will display your five most recently used SmartThings devices for quick access. Together, these changes make it easier to mix Galaxy‑brand devices with Apple ecosystems around shared home automations.

What you can do now

• Trigger routines with Siri: Add SmartThings routines to the Shortcuts app and run them hands‑free (for example, “Good Morning” to raise blinds, brew coffee and switch on lights).
• Apple Watch control: View and run automations from your wrist — handy for quick commands when you’re away from your phone.
• Live Activities shortcuts: See your five most recently used SmartThings devices on iOS Live Activities for faster status checks and access.

Why this matters

Bridging SmartThings with Siri Shortcuts reduces friction for households that mix Samsung gear with iPhones and other Apple devices. Instead of learning multiple apps or relying on voice assistants from different ecosystems, family members can share simple voice phrases to run the same smart‑home routines.

Apple’s Shortcuts app supports multi‑step automations, so SmartThings routines can be combined with other iOS actions (notifications, music, timers) to build richer scenes. And Apple Watch support adds a convenient control surface for quick checks or when you don’t have your phone handy.

Practical notes

• Ensure you’ve updated SmartThings and iOS to the latest versions; some features may require recent iOS or watchOS builds.
• To use routines via Siri, add the SmartThings routine to Shortcuts and name it clearly — Siri triggers rely on that phrase.
• Availability may vary by region and rollout schedule; check the App Store or Samsung’s update notes for timing.

For more on Shortcuts and Siri automations, see Apple’s Shortcuts page (opens in a new tab): support.apple.com/shortcuts. For SmartThings update details, check Samsung’s SmartThings support (opens in a new tab): smartthings.com.

Discussion: Will Siri Shortcuts integration change how you run smart‑home routines — or do you prefer native assistants like Alexa or Google for home control?