The new iPhone 15 features support for Thread: what does it mean for our smart homes?

Since the beginning of HomeKit, the iPhone has been a key component of smart home technology. Being able to control lights or open the garage door just by asking Siri has become second nature, but it involves a lot of technology behind the scenes to make it possible. Now, with the arrival of the iPhone 15, Apple takes another step by natively supporting these iPhones for the Thread network.

iOS 17 DOWNLOAD

A more direct, fast, and reliable connection

Thread is a mesh network protocol for smart homes developed with the aim of improving the connectivity and responsiveness of connected products. Unlike other traditional network systems, a mesh network like Thread allows devices to communicate with each other directly, eliminating the need for a centralized device.

Up until now, for a HomeKit product to interact with other devices on your home network, it required an intermediary like a HomePod or an Apple TV. These devices acted as a bridge between the iPhone and the actual device. While this system works quite well, it may not be the most optimal in terms of speed and reliability. Each time a command is issued from the iPhone, it has to first go through this intermediary before reaching the final device.

With the introduction of Thread support in the iPhone 15 Pro, this dynamic is set to change completely. Now, the iPhone can communicate directly with other Thread devices without the need for an intermediary. This means that commands are executed more quickly and reliably.

This not only improves efficiency but also has the potential to enhance the battery life of devices as an extra layer of communication is eliminated. Furthermore, being based on a mesh architecture, if a device within the network fails, the network self-reconfigures to maintain connectivity, thus increasing the robustness and reliability of the system.

iOS 17 DOWNLOAD

Apple emphasizes that the iPhone 15 Pro is the first smartphone with a Thread radio. This opens up a range of future opportunities for integrations with the Home app and for developers looking to create innovative solutions in the smart home space. It’s a change that promises to take our home automation experience to a new level, making our homes more connected, smart, and efficient than ever before.