iPhone Models Can Now Directly Control Smart Home Devices via Thread Protocol
TapTechNews September 19th news, the tech media AppleInsider released a blog post yesterday (September 18th), reporting that after some iPhone models upgrade to the iOS18 system, they can enable and directly control AppleHome and Matter smart home devices through the Thread protocol. Direct control of AppleHome and Matter smart home devices.
Introduction to the Thread Protocol
The Thread is a new IP-based smart home connection standard, and its adoption rate has been gradually increasing in recent years. As an alternative to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Zigbee, the Thread has extremely low power consumption and fast characteristics.
The Thread first appeared in the HomePodmini and several Nanoleaf smart light fixtures, but now many smart home products have adopted this technology.
TapTechNews reported on September 6th that the ThreadGroup officially released the 1.4 version specification of the Thread smart home wireless network protocol, standardizing the process of adding terminal devices and Thread border routers to the existing network.
The Thread 1.4 update is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Simpler single Mesh network: When adding new Thread terminal devices or border routers regardless of the brand, smart home platform or mobile operating system, they will automatically join the existing network instead of creating a new network, which can improve the range and reliability of the Mesh network;
Cloud connection: Border routers that support Thread 1.4 will obtain a clear standard Internet path, which can bring a series of dynamic functions to the devices, such as receiving software updates and adjusting the opening and closing of blinds according to weather changes;
Higher reliability, stability, larger coverage range, and lower complexity: The newly added ThreadoverInfrastructure feature allows border routers to use Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections to expand the ThreadMesh network;
Easier testing and troubleshooting: With the new standardized method of providing network configuration and status data by Thread devices, product developers and installers can have a deeper understanding of the Thread network and provide advanced troubleshooting functions;
Secure wireless commissioning for hard-to-reach locations: The batch commissioning feature of the Thread simplifies the wireless commissioning process of pre-installing devices in hard-to-reach locations. Installers can implement Thread commissioning through TLS with a certificate without scanning the physical installation code.
Applicable iPhone Models
TapTechNews attaches the applicable iPhone models as follows
iPhone 15Pro
iPhone 15ProMax
iPhone 16
iPhone 16Plus
iPhone 16Pro
iPhone 16ProMax
After the above devices are upgraded to the iOS18 system, they can directly connect to the Thread device, speeding up the response time of the Thread accessory and making it more friendly to consumers.
The latest Mac computers and iPads also come with Thread radios. But as of now, Apple has not enabled the Thread radio function on these devices and has not included it in the compatibility list.