Key Takeaways
- The new iPad Pro features support for Thread, a smart home protocol, marking it as the first iPad to officially include this technology.
- Thread enables direct communication with smart devices, potentially simplifying setup and improving connectivity, although a dedicated border router may still be necessary.
- The introduction of the N1 chip suggests Apple may enhance smart home functionalities across its product lineup, hinting at future developments in connected home technology.
New Features of the iPad Pro
The recently launched Apple M5-powered iPad Pro introduces support for the Thread smart home protocol, making it the first iPad to officially incorporate this feature. Thread joins Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 as part of Apple’s new N1 wireless networking chip, collectively enhancing the Matter standard—a cross-platform smart home initiative aimed at improving interoperability among devices.
While earlier Apple devices may have had Thread radios, they were not explicitly mentioned in the specifications. The acknowledgment in the latest iPad Pro signals Apple’s renewed commitment to integrating the iPad into smart home ecosystems.
Implications of Thread Support
Although the inclusion of Thread may not immediately transform daily iPad usage, it holds the potential for significant improvements in device connectivity. Users could eventually connect Thread-compatible devices—such as smart locks and lights—directly to the iPad, alleviating the need for additional hardware like a Thread border router.
However, the iPad itself cannot function as a border router since it does not maintain constant connectivity. Nonetheless, its Thread radio allows for quicker communication with compatible devices, which could be advantageous during power outages. For instance, it may facilitate direct communication with battery-operated Thread locks until connectivity is restored.
Apple’s Continued Smart Home Integration
Apple has incorporated Thread technology since 2020 with the HomePod Mini, which underscores its advantages for smart home environments: decreased latency, lower energy consumption, and reliance on local control instead of cloud services. Although the current range of compatible products is still limited, the adoption of the Matter standard is gradually increasing.
The introduction of Thread in the new iPad Pro indicates Apple’s strategy to reinforce the device’s role within smart homes. One possibility is a revival of the iPad as a Home hub, a function it previously performed before Apple phased it out.
Returning to the Role of Home Hub
Previously, any iPad could act as a Home hub, managing automations and facilitating remote access when users were away. After the 2022 rollout of an updated Home Architecture aligned with Matter, only Apple TV or HomePod Mini could access these advanced features. Users can still control devices through the Home app on an iPad, but it no longer serves as the hub’s central control point.
Should Apple reinforce this functionality—particularly with built-in Thread capabilities—the iPad could regain significant utility in smart home setups. However, it may be more practical to enable such features in less expensive models, like the iPad Mini, rather than the premium M5 iPad Pro, which starts at around $1,000.
Future Prospects and Developments
The new N1 chip in the iPad Pro also suggests future enhancements across other Apple devices, including possibilities for the next Apple TV and the anticipated HomePod Mini 2. Incorporating the N1 chip could facilitate more efficient communication among smart home products and enhance overall device management.
Although Apple has not disclosed specific future plans, the integration of Thread into the iPad Pro signifies a step towards an expanded and more capable smart home ecosystem, placing Apple closer to simplifying and enhancing connected home experiences.
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