Gen MZ Australians spend AUD $9.2 billion on smart home tech

New research from Samsung Electronics indicates a significant majority of Millennials and Gen Z Australians are utilising smart technology to assist with the care of children, pets, and plants within their homes.

The study, conducted by Pure Profile and sampling over 1,000 Australians aged 18 to 40, found that up to 80% of Gen MZ respondents report using smart devices such as TVs, phones, tablets, refrigerators, washers, dryers, and vacuums in their daily care routines.

Findings reveal Gen MZs are most likely to use smart technology to support partners (58%), dogs (52%), children (46%), plants (38%), and cats (31%). The integration of smart home solutions appears to be turning connected living into a necessity designed to meet the demands of contemporary life.

In addition to the high rate of adoption, the survey reports that 38% of Gen MZ respondents associate smart technology with greater feelings of assurance, 37% with increased security, and 36% with a sense of connectedness. The increasing presence of smart devices is influencing not just entertainment but also the efficiency and responsiveness of home management.

Smart solutions for families

The research reveals Gen MZ parents are increasingly turning to smart devices to alleviate the pressures of family life. Over a third (34%) employ smart technology to help organise their day, and 36% use it to stay connected when caring for loved ones. More than half (53%) of parents in this demographic use TVs, phones, or tablets to entertain or educate their children, illustrating the growing role of technology in parenting.

Further insights showed that 51% of Australian parents surveyed have spent up to AUD $2,000 on smart devices in the previous year, with 78% planning to further invest in smart technology over the next five years.

Commenting on the findings, Phil Gaut, Director – Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics Australia, said:

Smart technology is redefining the way Australians look after their loved ones and the things they care most about – from kids and parents to pets and plants. Our insights tell us Gen MZ are already embracing smart devices to support daily life, and it's clear that connected living is no longer a future concept, but a current reality. Through the intelligent power of SmartThings and our open connected ecosystem, we're helping Australians feel more assured in how they live, work and care for others.

Caring for pets through tech

The study also explored how 30% of "pawrents" – those who care for pets – use smart TVs to entertain or soothe their animals. Of these, 37% choose cartoons, 27% play music videos, and another 27% opt for sports programming. Twenty-five percent of those providing screen time for pets say their animals appear to prefer feature-length films.

Beyond entertainment, 30% say smart technology is helping to create a comfortable home environment for animals. Robot vacuums (used by 26%) and smart cameras or monitors (24%) allow for monitoring and maintenance while owners are away. Open platforms such as Samsung SmartThings have been highlighted as useful for bringing these functions together, enabling schedules for cleaning, streaming calming content, or sending pet-specific alerts through a single app.

The research notes a disparity between urban and regional pet owners: 34% of city-based respondents use smart technology to care for their pets, compared to 20% in regional locations, despite higher pet ownership rates in regional areas (82% vs. 70% in metro areas).
 

Plant care in the digital age

The survey highlights the growing trend of "plant parents" within Gen MZ, with 38% using smart technology for watering, 33% for temperature and humidity control, and 29% for plant lighting. Furthermore, 14% reported playing music to their plants using smart speakers, with a preference for pop and classical genres.

Ecosystem platforms like Samsung SmartThings enable plant owners to integrate care by automating tasks such as temperature, lighting schedules, and even music routines for their plants.

Integration and future usage

The findings indicate smart home solutions are viewed primarily as practical tools that enable Australians to streamline routines and integrate the management of people, animals, and plants. According to the research, Gen MZs collectively invested around AUD $9.2 billion in smart devices over the last year, suggesting a shift from viewing these products as novelties to essential components of daily domestic life.

Open home platforms such as Samsung SmartThings reportedly help users coordinate various devices for a more seamless and efficient home experience, whether it involves managing routines, caring for loved ones, or maintaining the household environment. The data suggests an ongoing evolution in connected living, with smart technology now seen as a routine part of the Australian home.