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original title: after some iphone models are upgraded to apple ios 18, they can directly control smart home devices through the thread protocol

it home reported on september 19 that technology media appleinsider published a blog post yesterday (september 18), reporting that after some iphone models are upgraded to ios 18 system, they can enable and directly control apple home and matter smart home devices through the thread protocol.

introduction to thread protocol

thread is a new ip-based smart home connectivity standard that has seen a gradual increase in adoption in recent years. as an alternative to wi-fi, bluetooth or zigbee, thread is extremely low power and fast.

thread debuted in the homepod mini and a few nanoleaf smart lights, but now there are a variety of smart home products using the technology.

it home reported on september 6 that thread group officially released version 1.4 of the thread smart home wireless network protocol specification, standardizing the process of adding terminal devices and thread border routers to existing networks.

thread 1.4 updates are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

a simpler single mesh network: regardless of brand, smart home platform or mobile operating system, adding a new thread end device or edge router will automatically join the existing network instead of creating a new one, which can improve the range and reliability of the mesh network;

cloud connectivity: border routers supporting thread 1.4 will have a clear, standard path to the internet, enabling devices to have dynamic capabilities, such as receiving software updates and automatically adjusting blinds to open and close based on weather conditions.

higher reliability, stability, greater coverage, and reduced complexity: the new thread over infrastructure feature allows border routers to use wi-fi and ethernet connections to extend the thread mesh network;

easier testing and troubleshooting: with a new standardized way for thread devices to provide network configuration and status data, product developers and installers can gain deeper insight into thread networks, providing advanced troubleshooting capabilities;

secure wireless commissioning for hard-to-reach locations: thread’s mass commissioning feature simplifies the wireless commissioning process for pre-installed devices in hard-to-reach locations. installers can enable thread commissioning via tls with certificates, eliminating the need to scan a physical installation code.

applicable models

it home attaches the applicable iphone models as follows

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 16

iPhone 16 Plus

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 16 Pro Max

after the above devices are upgraded to ios 18, they will be able to connect directly to thread devices, speeding up the response time of thread accessories and making them more consumer-friendly.

other apple products, including the latest mac computers and ipads, also feature thread radios, but as of now, apple has not enabled thread radio functionality on those devices or included them in its compatibility lists.