Samsung pushes ahead with plans to make money from SmartThings API

Samsung has a significant user base for its SmartThings platform and the company has been looking at ways to monetize that user base.

It confirmed earlier this year that it will begin charging for SmartThings API access, and the latest reports suggest that the company is pushing forward with plans to do that.

An API access fee goes into effect from next month

Samsung confirmed back in June this year that it will start charging $5 per month to non-commercial individual developers for access to the SmartThings API from October 2026. Nothing changes for the average home user who relies on Samsung's native SmartThings app to control devices connected through the platform.

Korean media is reporting that Samsung is evaluating other monetization routes for the SmartThings API. This may involve charging a fee to organizations that rely on SmartThings, such as energy companies or corporate users including those in the accommodation business who utilize SmartThings to manage heating and cooling of their premises.

Based on the figures last disclosed in June, SmartThings now has more than 460 million registered users across the globe. Monetizing even a fraction of that user base would open up a new revenue stream for SmartThings.

Adnan Farooqui - Executive Editor

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First Samsung device: SGH-E900

Adnan Farooqui is a long-term writer at SamMobile. Based in Pakistan, his interests include technology, finance, Swiss watches and Formula 1. His tendency to write long posts betrays his inclination to being a man of few words.

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