Shelly announced firmware 2.8.0 on September 3, 2026, saying the free update gives seven newer Wall Display models two distinct Matter roles. The X1i, X2i, XL, U1, S1, S2 and XT can commission and control Matter devices on their screens. Those panels can also join Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings or Home Assistant as Matter accessories, exposing their own relay, dimmer and thermostat functions.
That split matters because a controller and an accessory solve different problems. The controller side brings supported lights, plugs, sensors, fans, thermostats and window coverings from other brands onto a Shelly screen. Shelly says those devices can then take part in the panel's local scenes, automations and scripts without a subscription. The accessory side hands the Wall Display's own hardware to another Matter ecosystem, so a relay or thermostat can be controlled from the app the household already uses.
| Wall Display hardware | Matter role with firmware 2.8.0 |
|---|---|
| X1i, X2i, XL, U1, S1, S2 and XT | Matter controller and Matter accessory |
| First-generation Wall Display and Wall Display X2 | Can control Matter devices shared from a newer panel, but cannot commission devices or join another ecosystem as Matter accessories |
The older panels therefore do not get the headline upgrade. They need a newer Wall Display in the home to receive a shared Matter device, and Shelly says either display can end that sharing at any time. The announcement also gives no per-region rollout schedule for firmware 2.8.0, so owners should confirm that the update appears on their exact model before changing an existing control setup. Matterhome has not tested the commissioning flow or feature exposure in any of the five named ecosystems.
The panel still is not a Thread border router
Firmware 2.8.0 does not remove Thread infrastructure from the shopping list. Wi-Fi Matter devices can be commissioned by entering their setup code, with the Wall Display able to pass Wi-Fi credentials over Bluetooth during setup. A Matter-over-Thread accessory still needs a separate Thread border router. Shelly says a Thread device already available through a compatible hub can be shared to the panel using the Matter setup code provided by that system.
The distinction is easy to miss when the same panel is described as a Matter controller. A controller manages the Matter fabric and devices; a Thread border router carries Thread traffic onto the home network. A Wall Display can now do the first job, but it does not do the second.
Local Matter control, scenes, automations and scripting are included without Shelly Premium. Shelly says remote app control, history and cloud scenes for Matter devices will follow later in September for Premium subscribers. Update one panel first, pair a noncritical light or plug, and check both local control and the exposed endpoints before relying on the new path for heating, covers or other consequential automations.
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