Apple’s “awe dropping” Tuesday event has wrapped up, and we’re all still taking in the new paper-thin iPhone Air line (not everyone’s in awe of it) as well as the iPhone 17 Pro. But something caught my ear in the middle of the iPhone Air announcement. Along with other connectivity support, Apple made sure to add that the iPhone Air would support Thread. In a presentation where every second and word was intentional, it means a lot that the company included it. (Preorders for the iPhone 17 Air open at 5 a.m. PT on Sept. 12.)
“So, what’s Thread?” is probably your response. It’s a communication standard that’s all about the smart home, and it’s a sign that Apple’s still invested in growing the Apple Home app. Even more importantly, it’s a nod to Apple’s continued work with Siri AI upgrades and reported plans to release Apple-brand smart home products in 2026, including its own security camera, smart display and maybe even a tabletop Siri robot.
The last time Apple talked about Thread in-depth earlier this year, Vividh Siddha, a director at Apple and president of smart-device organization the Thread Group discussed how better Thread support allows for direct control over smart home tech, often without requiring Wi-Fi at all. Here’s why that matters.
Why Thread on iPhone matters
The Thread and Matter standards often go hand in hand, with Thread acting as a special, high-security connection for lower-power smart home devices and Matter being the “language” that passes through Thread. The problem is that most control devices (like phones, tablets or computers) can’t yet connect to Thread directly and instead have to jump through Wi-Fi hoops.
Apple’s recent iPhone changes — changes Google is also making to its devices — enable Thread radio frequency support. That allows iPhones, and presumably iPads and so on, to connect to smart home devices with a built-in Thread border router directly. If you have a newer iPhone. It can already do it.
What Thread Radio means for Apple’s home plans
While this Thread support may sound a little puzzling, it enables four important advantages for the modern smart home and Apple users:
1. With Thread-enabled devices, you won’t need any extra hub or (with complete Thread support) even a Wi-Fi router to connect with smart home sensors, lights, locks, etc. That’s both simpler and time-saving.
2. Thread includes a variety of security protections that make it safer to use than routing commands through Wi-Fi.
3. When Thread and Matter have to get “translated” through a Wi-Fi router or similar gadget, their devices can lose functionality. That can include specific features, automations and home routine choices from apps like Apple Home. With a direct Thread connection, more automations and features are enabled.
4. As long as your smart home devices have power from batteries and so on, you can still control them through a Thread connection. So if your power goes out and your Wi-Fi doesn’t work, you can still open compatible smart locks and whatnot, as long as you have your iPhone with you.
Should I get ready for Apple smart home devices?
Yes — just not this year. Apple’s continuing Thread support is excellent for smart home users with iPhones, especially those who are interested in using Apple Home for as many products as possible. But Apple’s expected smart home devices aren’t ready quite yet.
That’s not surprising. Even optimistic rumors has devices like Apple’s security camera and Siri-powered smart display arriving in early 2026, and with the work being done to Siri, including possible Gemini integrations, delays may have occurred along the way. But the era of the Apple smart home is approaching fast.
The bottom line? In 2026 and 2027, expext Apple to come for your smart home. It’s already laid the groundwork with small changes like these, and now the company is starting to be more open about its plans for direct, simpler control from everyday devices such as iPhones. We’re ready to see how it plays out.
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