Homebridge 2.0 launched on May 4, ending a three‑year beta. The open‑source Node.js bridge now includes the initial groundwork for the Matter standard, letting it function as both a HomeKit and a Matter hub. Users can run it on a PC, Raspberry Pi or dedicated HOOBS box, and immediately expose Matter accessories in Apple Home for iOS.

Maintainer NorthernMan5 explained two target use cases. First, Homebridge will fill gaps where Apple adds new device types via Matter—vacuum cleaners being a recent example—so plugins can deliver full functionality without waiting for native HomeKit support. Second, the bridge can forward Matter devices to other ecosystems like Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings or Home Assistant, leveraging the existing pool of 4000+ plugins in the near term.

With Matter support, a robot vacuum no longer masquerades as a light switch in the Home app; it appears as a true vacuum with dedicated controls. Individual plugins must be updated to expose their full feature set, so coverage will roll out gradually. Nonetheless, Homebridge now offers a single platform that bridges both Apple HomeKit and the broader Matter ecosystem for power users.