Apple’s Quiet Addition: Thread Radios in New Devices

Apple’s Quiet Addition: Thread Radios in New Devices

Hey Apple enthusiasts!

We’ve got some intriguing news for you today. It looks like Apple has been quietly adding a fantastic new feature to their devices released since September 2023. According to The Verge, Apple has included Thread radios in their latest iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Let’s break down what this means and why you should be excited.

What is Thread?

First things first, what exactly is Thread? Thread is a low-power and low-latency wireless mesh networking protocol designed for smart home devices. It aims to make the Internet of Things (IoT) simpler and more reliable by addressing key challenges like interoperability, range, security, energy efficiency, and reliability. Apple’s HomePod mini, HomePod, and Apple TV already support Matter over Thread, acting as smart home hubs.

Devices with Thread Radios

The Verge found evidence of Thread testing in FCC filings for several Apple devices. Here’s the list:

  • iPhone 15 Pro/Max
  • iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) (Wi-Fi)
  • iPad Air 11-inch (M2) (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
  • iPad Air 13-inch (M2) (Wi-Fi)
  • MacBook Air 15-inch (M3)
  • MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3)
  • MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Pro or M3 Max)
  • MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Pro or M3 Max)
  • iMac (M3, two ports)
  • iMac (M3, four ports)

Why It Matters

So, why should you care about Thread radios in your devices? Here are a few reasons:

  1. Smart Home Integration: With Thread radios, your iPhone, iPad, and Mac could act as Thread border routers in the future. This means better and more seamless integration with your smart home devices.

  2. Enhanced Functionality: There’s potential for Macs and iPads to once again serve as home hubs. Imagine controlling your entire smart home ecosystem right from your MacBook or iPad!

  3. Future-Proofing: Including Thread radios is a smart move by Apple to future-proof their devices. As smart home technology evolves, your Apple devices will be ready to keep up with the latest advancements.

The Quiet Rollout

Interestingly, Apple hasn’t listed these Thread radios on their product specification pages. However, the FCC requires manufacturers to list and test every radio in a device, which is how this information came to light. Apple’s decision to quietly include these radios without fanfare suggests they have big plans for the future of their smart home ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s inclusion of Thread radios in their latest devices is a significant step towards a more connected and efficient smart home experience. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone who loves having a smart home, this is exciting news. Keep an eye out for future updates from Apple that might unlock the full potential of these Thread radios.

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