iOS 18 Enables Thread Support: Select iPhone Models Can Now Directly Control Smart Home Devices

iOS 18 Enables Thread Support: Select iPhone Models Can Now Directly Control Smart Home DevicesIT Home, September 19 - Technology media outlet AppleInsider published a blog post yesterday (September 18) reporting that some iPhone models, after upgrading to iOS 18, can enable and control Apple Home and Matter smart home devices directly through the Thread protocol.A Brief Introduction to Thread ProtocolThread is a new IP-based smart home connectivity standard that has seen increasing adoption in recent years

iOS 18 Enables Thread Support: Select iPhone Models Can Now Directly Control Smart Home Devices

IT Home, September 19 - Technology media outlet AppleInsider published a blog post yesterday (September 18) reporting that some iPhone models, after upgrading to iOS 18, can enable and control Apple Home and Matter smart home devices directly through the Thread protocol.

A Brief Introduction to Thread Protocol

Thread is a new IP-based smart home connectivity standard that has seen increasing adoption in recent years. As an alternative to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee, Thread offers ultra-low power consumption and fast speeds. While it debuted in the HomePod mini and several Nanoleaf smart lights, a wide range of smart home products now utilize this technology.

IT Home reported on September 6 that the ThreadGroup officially released the 1.4 version specification of the Thread smart home wireless network protocol, standardizing the process of adding end devices and Thread border routers to an existing network. The key updates in Thread 1.4 include:

• Simplified Single Mesh Network: Adding new Thread end devices or border routers, regardless of brand, smart home platform, or mobile operating system, will automatically join the existing network instead of creating a new one, enhancing mesh network range and reliability.

• Cloud Connectivity: Border routers supporting Thread 1.4 will gain a clear standard internet path, providing devices with a range of dynamic functionality, such as receiving software updates and adjusting window blind openings based on weather changes.

• Increased Reliability, Stability, Wider Coverage, Lower Complexity: The newly added ThreadoverInfrastructure functionality allows border routers to use Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections to extend the Thread mesh network.

• Easier Testing and Troubleshooting: New standardized methods for Thread devices providing network configuration and status data enable product developers and installers to gain deeper insights into Thread networks, providing advanced troubleshooting capabilities.

• Secure Wireless Debugging for Hard-to-Reach Locations: Thread's bulk debugging feature simplifies the wireless debugging process for pre-installed devices in hard-to-reach locations. Installers can utilize certificate-based TLS for Thread debugging without scanning physical installation codes.

Applicable Models

IT Home lists the compatible iPhone models below:

• iPhone 15 Pro Max

• iPhone 15 Pro

• iPhone 15

• iPhone 15 Plus

• iPhone 14 Pro Max

• iPhone 14 Pro

• iPhone 14

• iPhone 14 Plus

• iPhone 13 Pro Max

• iPhone 13 Pro

• iPhone 13

• iPhone 13 mini

• iPhone 12 Pro Max

• iPhone 12 Pro

• iPhone 12

• iPhone 12 mini

• iPhone SE (3rd generation)

After upgrading to iOS 18, these devices can directly connect to Thread devices, speeding up the response time of Thread accessories and making them more user-friendly. Other Apple products, including the latest Mac computers and iPads, are also equipped with Thread radios. However, Apple has not yet enabled the Thread radios on these devices or included them in the compatibility list.