- Why do devices that Matter over WiFi still need homepod mini for control? Can't the home app communicate directly with the device.
- How to get devices that Matter over Thread to join the HomePod Mini's Thread network. Do you need any additional conditions?
- As for the Matter Bridge, is the Home app still unsupported now? Can the future plan be announced？
HomeKit support for Matter
Why do devices that Matter over WiFi still need homepod mini for control? Can't the home app communicate directly with the device.
A matter controller needs to be 24/7 online as "home hub" in your home to ensure everything works, including automations, even if all devices are connected via WiFi only. Mobile devices might not be present nor online nor charged enough to be that "hub". That's why Apple decided to let only grid powered always-on devices (at this time: AppleTV, HomePod) act as matter controller, and not mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads.
As for the Matter Bridge, is the Home app still unsupported now?
As far my own testing goes, Matter Bridges are quite well supported in Apple Home since 16.1. I can't talk for other bridges than my own (p44mbrd project on github), though.