Unlock two key benefits with your iPhone’s new thread radio

iPhone 17

Apple began introducing Thread radios into its devices towards the end of 2023, starting with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. While Apple has been relatively quiet about this new feature, a recent interview sheds light on its benefits.

Understanding the iPhone’s Thread Radio Advantages

An insightful interview was published by The Verge, featuring three major contributors to Matter, the new standard for smart home devices. Among them was Vividh Siddha, who serves as both President of the Thread Group and Director at Apple.

In the discussion, Siddha explained the purpose behind incorporating Thread radios into iPhones. He highlighted two main advantages:

  • Simplifying Smart Home Automation: For those new to smart homes, like someone buying a smart bulb or switch from a store, automating these devices can be tricky without additional equipment. The Thread radio in your iPhone allows for these automations directly, making life easier for early adopters.
  • Maintaining Access During Power Outages: If you lose power, and thus your Wi-Fi or other network systems are down, the Thread radio can still function. This means you can still use important smart devices like your front door lock, ensuring you can enter your home even in emergencies.

Siddha’s dual roles give him a unique perspective on how Thread can revolutionize home automation, emphasizing these benefits are just the beginning.

Thread Radios: A Step Forward for Apple’s Smart Home Vision

The smart home landscape can be confusing, but with Matter, Apple aims to streamline this. Moreover, Apple’s recent push into smart home gadgets could change the game. In the coming months, expect new devices like the ‘HomePad’, followed by updates to the Apple TV 4K and a new HomePod mini. By 2026, Apple plans to launch smart doorbells and cameras.

While the inclusion of Thread radios in the latest iPhones might not show immediate effects, over time, this technology is poised to enhance Apple’s smart home ecosystem significantly.