Introduction
Apple recently announced the iPhone 15 Pro, which comes with a new feature that has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts - a Thread radio. This wireless connectivity protocol has sparked curiosity about how Apple plans to integrate it into its ecosystem. While the smart home is an obvious application for Thread, there are indications that Apple might be looking beyond that.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Apple's decision to include a Thread radio in the iPhone 15 Pro. We will delve into the potential uses of this wireless connectivity protocol and how it could impact Apple's ecosystem. From acting as a Thread border router to replacing Bluetooth for peripheral connections, let's uncover the possibilities.
The iPhone as a Thread Border Router
One of the Primary uses for Thread in the iPhone is as a Thread border router for Apple Home and Matter-enabled Thread smart home devices. Traditionally, devices like the Home Pod Mini or Apple TV 4K serve as Thread border routers, allowing seamless connectivity between Thread devices and the internet. However, with the inclusion of a Thread radio in the iPhone 15 Pro, users can potentially eliminate the need for an additional border router.
Jonathan Hui, VP of Technology at the Thread Group, confirmed that smartphones can technically function as Thread border routers, even on battery power. However, relying solely on the iPhone as a Thread border router may not be practical. Thread border routers are necessary for maintaining connectivity when leaving home or when the phone's battery is depleted. Therefore, while the iPhone can serve as an additional border router, it is still advisable to have a dedicated Thread border router in most use cases.
Faster Control of Thread Smart Home Devices
The inclusion of Thread connectivity in the iPhone brings a significant advantage in terms of control speed. With Thread, a smartphone can communicate directly with Thread devices without the need for a separate Thread border router. This direct communication eliminates the latency introduced by relying on a border router or other communication technologies.
Compared to existing smartphones without Thread, an iPhone with Thread can control Thread devices like lights and locks directly, enhancing the user experience. The self-healing mesh network of Thread also contributes to its efficiency and low latency, making it an ideal choice for faster control of Thread smart home devices. Additionally, Thread's low power consumption ensures longer battery life for both the iPhone and connected Thread devices.
Thread as a Replacement for Bluetooth
Apart from its applications in the smart home, Thread holds potential as an alternative to Bluetooth for connecting peripherals to smartphones. Daniel Moneta, a marketing and product consultant for Samsung SmartThings, suggests that Thread could be used for connecting peripherals such as smartwatches, medical devices, and camera accessories.
Thread's IP-based mesh protocol offers reliability and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously. Unlike Bluetooth, which requires devices to be within range of the controller, Thread allows for greater flexibility in device positioning within the home. If Apple were to incorporate a Thread radio in the Apple Watch, it could establish a direct connection with the iPhone, eliminating the need for Bluetooth.
However, it is worth noting that Thread's practical throughput limit is around 125Kbps, whereas Bluetooth LE 5.0 offers a higher practical throughput. This limitation implies that Thread may not be suitable for applications such as audio streaming, making Bluetooth still relevant in certain scenarios. Nevertheless, future peripherals could potentially integrate both Thread and Bluetooth radios to leverage the strengths of each protocol.
Thread as a Bonus Radio
There is speculation that the inclusion of Thread in the iPhone 15 Pro is a strategic move by Apple. The Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip used in Apple's high-end phones may include Thread functionality as an additional feature. This "three-for-one" chip would provide Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, with Thread being an added bonus.
Considering this possibility, it is likely that Thread will gradually make its way into other models of the iPhone in the future. As Thread gains more traction and compatibility with other devices, it could become a standard feature in Apple's smartphone lineup. However, it is essential to wait and see how Thread integration unfolds and whether it aligns with the development of the Matter smart home standard.
Conclusion
The inclusion of a Thread radio in the iPhone 15 Pro opens up exciting possibilities for Apple's ecosystem. While its primary use may be as a Thread border router for smart home devices, Thread could also replace Bluetooth for peripheral connections. The direct communication and low latency of Thread make it an attractive option for faster control of smart home devices. However, limitations in throughput may restrict its use for certain applications.
As Apple continues to innovate and explore new technologies, the integration of Thread in the iPhone 15 Pro showcases its commitment to providing seamless connectivity and enhanced user experiences. Whether it's transforming the smart home or revolutionizing peripheral connections, Thread has the potential to play a significant role in Apple's ecosystem.
