Why it matters: Apple is known for keeping tight-lipped about upcoming product features, but the company may have taken that secrecy a bit too far this time. Apparently, Cupertino has been low-key outfitting many of its new Macs and iPads with a special Thread radio – and didn't bother telling anyone about it.
Evidence has emerged that several Apple devices released since last September contain a mysterious Thread wireless chip, as spotted by The Verge. These devices include the M4 iPad Pro, M3 MacBook Pros, M3 iMacs, M2 iPad Air, and more. The presence of Thread was uncovered via FCC filings, which show the radio being tested for compliance on these devices.
It isn't clear why Apple is cramming this seemingly random wireless tech into its computers and tablets. But it likely has to do with the smart home connectivity protocol known as Matter – one that Apple itself helped develop.
For the unfamiliar, Thread forms the core networking technology behind Matter, a low-power, low-bandwidth mesh protocol optimized for IoT gadgets like smart lights. Apple has already employed Thread for years to link smart home devices to its Home platform via the HomePod line and Apple TV boxes.
But Macs and iPads are new territory for Thread integration. The most obvious explanation is that Apple wants to turn these computing products into Matter-enabled home hubs or border routers. With Thread onboard, your MacBook or iPad could directly communicate with and control all your Matter-compatible smart home devices.
Alternatively, Apple may simply be futureproofing its product lineup here. With tri-band wireless chip combos that bundle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread together becoming commonplace, it was likely easier (and cheaper) for Apple to add Thread support.
When Apple announced Thread radios in the iPhone 15 Pro models last fall, it only vaguely teased "future opportunities for Home app integrations." Perhaps the company didn't have solid plans mapped out yet for this sneaky radio integration across its product ecosystem.
Whatever those eventual Thread use cases end up being, there's a good chance we'll get our first glimpses at WWDC next week with the unveilings of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 14. If major new Matter/Home features are indeed coming that leverage Thread connectivity, wouldn't it be nice if our existing devices already packed the necessary radios?