iOS 18 unlocks faster smart homes with direct Thread control

Apple has quietly rolled out a significant update in iOS 18 that’s set to make your smart home experience even smoother. Select iPhones, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the entire iPhone 16 lineup, can now directly control Thread-enabled smart home devices. This eliminates the need for a middleman (border router), resulting in faster and more responsive smart home controls.Thread is a new smart home connectivity standard gaining popularity due to its low power consumption and fast speeds. It offers an alternative to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee. Previously, even though some iPhones had built-in Thread radios, they still relied on border routers (like Apple TV or HomePod) to communicate with Thread devices. This added an extra step, potentially slowing down commands.With iOS 18, Apple has bypassed this limitation, allowing direct communication between compatible iPhones and Thread devices. This promises quicker response times and a more user-friendly experience for those with Thread-enabled smart homes.

Although other Apple products like recent Macs and iPads also have Thread radios, they haven’t been activated yet. Apple’s compatibility list currently doesn’t include these devices.