Samsung SmartThings iOS App Loses Key Automation Features in Surprise Move

Samsung is removing all experimental features from its SmartThings app for iPhone users. The company confirmed four key automation tools will disappear from the Labs section. This change takes effect on December 22, 2025.

According to Reuters, the decision impacts all iOS users globally. The features being removed are Gentle Wake-Up, No Worries While Away, Turn It Off When I Leave, and Welcome Home. Samsung has not provided a public explanation for the removal.

Users Can Recreate Lost Functions With Custom Routines

All four disappearing features are essentially pre-built automation routines. This means users can manually recreate their functions. The process involves accessing the Routines section within the SmartThings application.

Tech experts suggest taking screenshots of current Labs settings. This preserves the specific triggers and actions for easy replication. Samsung’s own support documentation confirms routine creation remains fully supported on iOS.

The removal affects only the convenience of pre-configured options. Core smart home control functionality remains completely intact. Users will still be able to control lights, thermostats, and other connected devices.

Industry Shift May Explain Samsung’s Decision

Analysts point to low user adoption rates as a likely factor. Experimental features often get phased out if they fail to gain traction. This is a common practice across the tech industry for streamlining applications.

Alternatively, Samsung could be preparing redesigned versions. The company may integrate these functions deeper into the main Routines interface. A future update might reintroduce them as standard, non-experimental features.

The move currently affects only the iOS version of the SmartThings application. Android users have not received similar removal notices. This platform-specific approach suggests development resource prioritization.

This strategic simplification of the Samsung SmartThings iOS app underscores a broader industry trend. Companies are focusing on core functionalities that serve the majority of their user base. The upcoming change ensures the platform remains efficient and user-friendly for all iPhone customers.

Thought you’d like to know-

Which Samsung SmartThings features are being removed?

The four Labs features being removed are Gentle Wake-Up, No Worries While Away, Turn It Off When I Leave, and Welcome Home. These are all automation routines designed for specific scenarios. Their removal is scheduled for December 22, 2025.

Can I get these features back after they are removed?

Yes, you can recreate the core functions using the main Routines feature in the SmartThings app. The removal only affects the pre-configured versions in the Labs section. Your ability to build custom automations with the same triggers and actions remains.

Will this change affect my Android SmartThings app?

No, this change is currently specific to the iOS version of the Samsung SmartThings application. Android users have not been notified of any similar feature removals. The platform-specific nature of this decision is clear.

Why is Samsung removing these SmartThings features?

Samsung has not provided an official reason. Industry analysis suggests low usage rates are the most probable cause. The company may also be planning to integrate refined versions directly into the main app experience.

What should I do if I currently use these features?

It is recommended you take screenshots of your current Labs feature settings before the removal date. This will help you manually recreate the automations in the Routines section. The process is straightforward and well-documented.