March 15, 2026 – Beaverton, OR – Matter 1.5 Specification Released
The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has released Matter 1.5, the latest version of the smart home interoperability standard. This release includes significant enhancements for occupancy sensing, adding standardized configuration attributes for PIR sensors and other occupancy detection devices.
The update aims to improve user experience by providing consistent configuration options across different brands of occupancy sensors, enabling features like adjustable sensitivity and hold time through the smart home platform of choice.
New Occupancy Sensing Features in Matter 1.5
Configurable Sensitivity
Matter 1.5 adds the ability to configure sensor sensitivity through the standard. Users can now adjust how responsive their PIR sensors are, either through the device itself or through their smart home platform. The sensitivity attribute is defined as a range of 0-100, with higher values indicating greater sensitivity.
This addresses a common user frustration: sensors that are either too sensitive (false triggers) or not sensitive enough (missed detections).
Configurable Hold Time
The new specification includes standard attributes for configuring hold time (how long the sensor stays in “occupied” state after last detection). Users can set appropriate delays for different rooms – longer for bathrooms (10-20 minutes), shorter for hallways (30-60 seconds).
The hold time can be set from 0 seconds to 30 minutes in 1-second increments.
Configurable Block Time
Block time (minimum time between detections) can now be configured through the standard. This is useful for applications where multiple rapid detections should be ignored, such as in high-traffic areas.
Sensor Type Reporting
Matter 1.4 already supported reporting sensor type (PIR, ultrasonic, microwave, etc.). Matter 1.5 extends this with additional sub-types, including:
- Dual-technology PIR + ultrasonic
- Dual-technology PIR + microwave
- High-sensitivity PIR (seated occupant detection)
- Pet-immune PIR
Diagnostic Information
Sensors can now report diagnostic information, including:
- Last detection timestamp
- Average detection signal strength
- Battery status (for battery-powered sensors)
- Self-test results
- Error conditions (lens blocked, sensor failure)
Implementation Example
// Example Matter occupancy sensor configuration
occupancy-sensor {
type = "PIR";
sub-type = "high-sensitivity";
features = ["sensitivity-configurable", "hold-time-configurable"];
sensitivity {
min = 0;
max = 100;
default = 70;
current = 70;
}
hold-time {
min = 0; // seconds
max = 1800; // 30 minutes
default = 60;
current = 60;
}
block-time {
min = 0;
max = 60;
default = 2;
current = 2;
}
}
Benefits for Users
- Consistent experience: Same configuration options across all Matter-compatible sensors
- Ease of use: Adjust sensitivity and timing through familiar smart home apps
- Reduced false alarms: Fine-tune sensors for specific environments
- Better energy savings: Optimize hold times for different rooms
- Diagnostic visibility: Know when sensors need attention (low battery, failure)
Benefits for Manufacturers
- Reduced support calls: Users can adjust settings without manufacturer intervention
- Simplified certification: Standardized attributes streamline testing
- Interoperability: Works with all Matter-certified platforms (Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, etc.)
- Future-proof design: Standard is designed to evolve with technology
Certification Requirements
PIR sensors claiming Matter 1.5 compliance must pass updated certification testing, which now includes tests for the configurable attributes. The CSA has published updated test harnesses and certification policies.
Existing Matter 1.4 sensors can be updated to 1.5 via firmware without re-certification, provided they implement the new features correctly.
Product Announcements
Several manufacturers have announced Matter 1.5-compatible PIR sensors:
Philips Hue Occupancy Sensor (Gen 3)
Supports sensitivity and hold time configuration via the Hue app, with Matter 1.5 compatibility.
Eve Motion (Matter Version)
Already Matter-certified, receiving a firmware update to add Matter 1.5 configuration features.
IKEA VALLHORN
IKEA has announced that the VALLHORN and VALLHORN OUTDOOR will receive a firmware update adding Matter 1.5 support.
Conclusion
Matter 1.5’s standardized occupancy sensor configuration represents a significant step forward for the smart home industry. By providing consistent, platform-agnostic ways to adjust sensor behavior, it improves user experience and reduces friction in smart home adoption.