Apple began adding Thread radio to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and has continued to bring this connectivity to new iPhones, iPads, and even Macs. Why did he add this connection used in home automation? What possible uses does it have? We will tell you about it below.
Thread connectivity is one of the foundations of Matter, the new universal home automation standard that allows the compatibility of products such as sockets, bulbs, sensors and other accessories with all home automation platforms: Apple Home (HomeKit), Google Home and Alexa . The surprise was to see that last year's iPhones, the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, had this type of connection. And Apple didn't stop there, it added Thread connectivity to every product it has released since. What is the reason for this decision?
In an interview with The Verge, Apple itself in the voice of Vividh Siddah (who is also president of the Thread Group, oddly enough), highlighted two very important reasons why this decision makes perfect sense:
When Apple announced the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max in fall 2023, the company surprised everyone by adding Thread connectivity to its high-end smartphones. It now turns out that Apple has also added this radio connection used for home automation in the new Macs and iPads launched since that date.
One of the reasons is to be able to attract new home automation enthusiasts. When someone goes to IKEA and sees a Thread-compatible light bulb, or a switch… what happens if they come home and don't have a chance to use them? Having Thread on the iPhone SE allows this, and makes it easier for you to decide whether to purchase a home automation standard later.
But another advantage is the ability to use your accessories in the event of a power outage. If there is no electricity, your WiFi router and Thread are not working. If you have a Thread connection on your iPhone, you'll still be able to use important accessories like your front door lock.
Two very important reasons but not the only ones, of course. Thread and Matter continues to evolve and I'm sure Having this radio on iPhone offers new uses in the future.
