While v2 hubs cannot be upgraded to Thread and will only support Matter devices over Wi-Fi and ethernet, Jung claims that they will be able to control any Thread devices via a Thread border router built into another device. If you don’t use a dongle, the software-based hubs in Samsung smart TVs, monitors, and Family Hub fridges will work the same way.
Samsung’s smart appliance ecosystem, according to Jung, is one of the reasons the company believes consumers will choose SmartThings over another platform now that Matter is making device compatibility less of an issue in the smart home. (SmartThings’ brand was arguably built on being the most open platform among the major players.)