Samsung will soon start charging to access its smart home API
Samsung’s SmartThings API access now has a price tag—sparking developer and consumer backlash
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The brief
Samsung will introduce a **$5 monthly fee** for third-party developers and users seeking full access to its SmartThings smart home API, effective immediately. The move marks a shift from the platform’s previously free tier, which had enabled custom automation and integration with non-Samsung devices.
Coverage highlights the potential impact on indie developers, smart home enthusiasts, and ecosystems relying on open access—including voice assistant platforms and legacy integrations. Tech-focused outlets like *The Verge*, *Engadget*, and *Gadget Hacks* emphasize the **broad implications** for the smart home industry, noting that competitors such as Google and Amazon have maintained free or low-cost API access.
Samsung’s justification, as reported, centers on ‘sustaining platform growth’ and ‘prioritizing security,’ though no details on enforcement timelines or grandfathered accounts have been confirmed. Watch for **developer reactions**, potential legal challenges from affected parties, or rival platforms capitalizing on the shift.
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Quick answers
Who will be charged the $5 fee?
Third-party developers and users requiring **full access** to Samsung’s SmartThings API, including those building custom automations or integrating non-Samsung devices.
Is this fee new for Samsung?
Yes. The SmartThings API was previously available for free, but Samsung is now introducing a **mandatory monthly subscription** for continued access.
Will existing integrations or apps be grandfathered?
Coverage does not yet specify whether Samsung will exempt existing projects or integrations from the fee.
Coverage (4)
- Samsung Puts $5 Monthly Fee on SmartThings API Access The Tech Buzz · 8h ago
- Samsung SmartThings API Pricing: New Fees and Who They Affect Gadget Hacks · 8h ago
- Samsung Will Start Charging For SmartThings API Access Engadget · 8h ago
- Samsung will soon start charging to access its smart home API The Verge · 8h ago
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