tvOS 26 adopts Thread 1.4 for an improved Apple Home experience

AppleInsider

Smart home devices that connect over Thread should have a much more stable network thanks to Thread 1.4 support in tvOS 26.

The Apple TV 4K now supports the latest version of Thread

Thread is an IP-based wireless protocol that connects primarily smart home devices around the home. The devices create a self-healing mesh network that can be more reliable in the outskirts of your home than Wi-Fi.

The protocol is much improved with Thread 1.4, which was adopted by Apple in tvOS 26. The change was spotted by Matter Alpha by analyzing the Apple TV network details.

With iOS 18, Apple allowed direct control of Thread accessories from iPhone, removing the need to go through a Thread border router for even faster actions. Now it should improve further thanks to the adoption of Thread 1.4.

Apple has been utilizing Thread in its Home products for years, including it in the HomePod mini, HomePod, and Apple TV 4K, which act as Thread border routers that bridge your Thread network with your Home network. The iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max also contain Thread radios.

Apple TV's network test results showing Thread 1.4. Image source: Matter Alpha

One advantage of Thread is its low power consumption, giving it additional benefits over Bluetooth-based accessories when running on battery power. It's commonly used now in sensors, smart locks, shades, and other smart home products.

What the Thread 1.4 update adds

Thread 1.4, first released in September of 2024, included many quality-of-life upgrades for the burgeoning standard.

A Nanoleaf smart bulb that connects via Thread

To start, Thread 1.4 compatible devices will create a single mesh network in your home, rather than each smart home platform or OS trying to create their own. This will result in a more stable network that is also larger because they can see more devices.

Thread 1.4 node devices all get a distinct path to the internet, allowing accessories to offer additional features that are pulled from online sources. An example could be smart shades that automatically move their position based on current weather conditions or a light that changes color based on football scores.

Chiefly, Thread 1.4 makes it far easier to test and deploy Thread devices for manufacturers. It provides easier testing and troubleshooting as well as more insight into the Thread network as a whole.

Ultimately, this update should improve the user experience for Thread devices, especially as accessory makers also update their products as well. Thread 1.4 will be available to Apple users once they update to tvOS 26 after it releases in September.



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imat

Very interesting to know. I wonder: will device manufacturers have to push updates for the devices or will it be updated by a border router? I guess, as usual, that some will be keen to update while others not.
I recently purchased several Thread products (I am in the midst of "smarting up my home") and I have noticed, more than once, that when connected using the Matter protocol over thread radio, WITHOUT manufacturer app, the first thing many devices so is update themselves.


All in all I see more and more devices that support thread and it makes life a lot easier.

hmurchison

My thread Eve Outlet has performed flawlessly since I installed it a year ago.   I have a couple Matter over WiFi devices to install but I tend to want to keep Matter items on Thread.  

djacobs

My thread network is an absolute disaster. With 9 Apple TVs and 8 HomePod Minis, I can't keep the network from splintering into multiple networks, and causing my Eve devices to go offline. I have a call TODAY with an Apple engineer about this. Interesting to see if Thread 1.4 comes up in the discussion, as this sounds like a fix for all my issues. Now, just to wait until September to get the fix, since any Beta updates installed, and Apple support will not help you.