Samsung’s redesigned SmartThings app is arriving on select Galaxy phones and tablets in Android version 1.8.51.30. The rollout is staged, so the update may not appear for every Galaxy owner at once. Samsung’s Galaxy Store listing dates the version to September 21, 2026. SamMobile reports that iPhone users got the redesign first, with Android now following.
What changed in the SmartThings redesign?
The update gives SmartThings a lighter, less crowded appearance and makes the Home screen more customizable. Samsung’s app listing describes a redesigned Home tab, while the reported interface changes include compact cards and a floating navigation bar. SamMobile’s rollout report and Samsung’s Galaxy Store listing describe the changes.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Navigation and Home cards
A compact floating bar at the bottom provides access to Home, Devices, and Life. The top of the screen has controls for selecting a location, scanning a location QR code, opening the map view, adding devices, and viewing options. Home shows favorite devices and routines in smaller cards, with more room for suggestions and updates than the denser previous presentation.
Long-press a card to resize it or move it to a different position. Tapping a card’s icon can toggle a device or trigger a routine, putting common actions within reach from Home.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Room layouts in 2D and 3D
Devices are organized by room, and the home layout can be viewed or edited in either 2D or 3D. The map can include furniture, structural elements, and device placements, giving users a spatial view alongside the room-based device list.
When will the update reach your Galaxy phone?
Version 1.8.51.30 is rolling out to select Galaxy smartphones and tablets rather than being available to every user simultaneously. Samsung’s Galaxy Store metadata lists version 1.8.51.30 with the date 2026.09.21. Availability can vary by Galaxy model, region, and store channel; the rollout reports do not provide a date when distribution will be complete. Check the SmartThings listing in the Galaxy Store for the update on your device: Samsung SmartThings in Galaxy Store.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
What devices can SmartThings control?
The redesign is an interface update to Samsung’s connected-device control app, not evidence of a new device protocol or a universal compatibility change. Samsung describes SmartThings as supporting products such as TVs, light bulbs, appliances, and speakers, as well as selected third-party brands including Ring, Nest, and Philips Hue. Compatibility and available controls depend on the specific product and integration; the redesign does not establish that every device exposes the same features. Samsung’s SmartThings overview and the Galaxy Store listing outline the ecosystem.
Recommended Free Tools
Samsung also highlights faster control of hub-connected devices when the phone and hub share Wi-Fi. That benefit is specifically described for that network arrangement, not as a general speed improvement for every SmartThings command. The listing also says Routine Insights surfaces the three most frequently used routines and recent activity.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
How the new and previous interfaces compare
| Area | Redesigned app | Previous presentation |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Compact floating bar at the bottom; Home, Devices, and Life are prominent. | Denser layout; specific previous navigation details are not stated in the cited rollout report (SamMobile). |
| Home cards | Compact favorite-device and routine cards that can be resized and rearranged. | Larger, denser presentation; exact card dimensions are not stated in the cited rollout report (SamMobile). |
| Spatial organization | Room-based device organization and editable 2D or 3D home layouts. | Whether the previous interface offered the same map options is not stated in the cited rollout report (SamMobile). |
| Availability | Version 1.8.51.30 is rolling out to select Galaxy phones and tablets; Galaxy Store listing date: 2026-09-21. | Not applicable. |
What the rollout does—and does not—establish
The confirmed changes concern the app’s visual layout, card customization, room mapping, and listed SmartThings features. The reports about this update do not establish a new privacy policy, protocol, or across-the-board compatibility change. Samsung’s earlier interface announcement described a customer-focused effort to make SmartThings simpler; that 2021 statement is background, not a claim about new privacy or connectivity behavior in version 1.8.51.30. Samsung’s 2021 announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
