Apple has integrated Thread networking technology into its smart home ecosystem, leveraging it for faster, more reliable, and secure communication with other Apple accessories. Thread is an IPv6-based, low-power mesh networking protocol designed for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This article will discuss the devices that are compatible with Thread and how it interacts with smart devices.
Apple’s implementation of Thread
Apple focused on 2 core components during the development of Thread:
- Thread Border Routers: These devices connect the Thread mesh network to your standard home Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and the internet. Key Apple devices that act as Thread Border Routers include the second-generation HomePod, the HomePod Mini, and the Apple TV (2nd generation and later).
- Thread-enabled Apple devices: The iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and later models running iOS 18 or newer have a built-in Thread radio. This allows them to communicate directly with Thread accessories for faster setup and control, even if a dedicated border router is not present.
How Thread creates an Apple-powered smart home
Individual Thread-enabled smart accessories, particularly those with a constant power source, act as network extenders, or “routers.” This creates a mesh network that extends its range with each new device you add. Unlike Wi-Fi, which can be prone to dropped connections with multiple connected accessories, Thread’s mesh design ensures there is no single point of failure. If one device on the network fails, another device simply reroutes the signal. Thread also offers very low latency, meaning commands sent from your phone to an accessory happen almost instantly. This is noticeable with the iPhone connecting to the Apple HomePod.
Thread in action with Apple devices
When you set up a HomePod Mini or compatible Apple TV in your home, it automatically becomes a Thread Border Router. When you then add a Thread-compatible smart accessory, it joins the secure Thread mesh network. This integration ensures that your smart home devices operate reliably, securely, and with a universal standard that is not tied to a single company.
Thread is one of the foundational technologies for Matter, the open-source connectivity standard backed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and other major smart home players. By adopting Thread, Apple is future-proofing its ecosystem for seamless interoperability with a wider range of smart home products.
