Samsung will soon start charging to access its smart home API

Samsung has announced that from October 2026, it will begin charging for access to its SmartThings API, including a $4.99 monthly plan for individual developers. This change affects developers and advanced users who utilize the API for custom smart home integrations, marking a shift in how Samsung manages its platform and developer ecosystem.

Starting in October, Samsung will introduce paid tiers for its SmartThings API, with a specific plan costing $4.99 per month for non-commercial, individual developers. The company states that the revenue will enable further investment into enterprise-grade features, stability, and new integrations, as outlined in a statement from Samsung. The change also impacts users of third-party tools, such as the open-source platform Home Assistant, which relies on the API for advanced control. The move has sparked concern among hobbyist and independent developers, who may face increased costs or reduced access.

Samsung emphasizes that the new pricing model aims to support ongoing development and improve the platform’s reliability. The company did not specify whether existing users will be grandfathered into current access levels or how the transition will be managed for those already using the API extensively. The announcement was made via a public statement, with the rollout scheduled for October 2026.

Impact on Developers and Advanced Users

This development marks a significant shift in Samsung’s approach to its smart home platform, potentially limiting free access for individual developers and hobbyists. It could slow innovation by small developers and affect third-party integrations that rely on the API. For Samsung, the revenue from API access fees may fund future features, but it raises questions about openness and platform accessibility for the broader smart home community.

Samsung’s Past Approach to Smart Home API Access

Samsung’s SmartThings platform has traditionally offered open access to its API, enabling developers and enthusiasts to create custom integrations and controls. The company’s decision to introduce paid tiers, announced in June 2026, reflects a broader industry trend toward monetizing developer access and platform APIs. Similar moves have been seen in other ecosystems, but the impact on user freedom and innovation remains a concern for many in the smart home community.

Prior to this change, SmartThings API access was largely free, with some restrictions for commercial use. The new paid tiers, starting at $4.99 per month for individual developers, are aimed at supporting enterprise features and platform stability, according to Samsung. The timing coincides with Samsung’s push to expand its smart home ecosystem and attract more enterprise partners.

“Samsung’s move to charge for API access could reshape the smart home developer landscape, especially for hobbyists and small-scale developers.”

— an anonymous researcher

Details on Transition and User Impact Unclear

It is not yet clear how existing users and developers will be affected by the new charges, whether there will be grandfathering provisions, or how the transition will be managed. The specific impact on third-party integrations like Home Assistant remains to be seen, and Samsung has not provided detailed guidance on these issues.

Next Steps for Developers and Users

Samsung will begin implementing the paid API tiers in October 2026. Developers and advanced users relying on the SmartThings API should review their usage plans and prepare for potential costs. Further updates from Samsung are expected as the rollout approaches, including detailed guidance on access and transition procedures.

Key Questions

Will existing API users be grandfathered into free access?

It is not yet clear whether current users will retain free access or need to transition to paid plans. Samsung has not provided specific details on grandfathering policies.

How much will the other paid tiers cost?

Samsung has announced a $4.99 monthly plan for individual developers but has not disclosed the pricing for enterprise or larger-scale plans at this time.

Will this change affect third-party platforms like Home Assistant?

Yes, according to the platform’s founder, the API changes will impact integrations such as Home Assistant, which will fall under the new ‘personal plans.’

Why is Samsung introducing paid tiers now?

Samsung states the revenue from API access will help fund new features, stability, and integrations, aligning with a broader industry trend toward monetizing platform APIs.

Source: The Verge