Apple’s New M5 iPad Pro Adds Thread Support : What It Means for Smart Home Users

Apple’s New M5 iPad Pro Adds Thread Support : What It Means for Smart Home Users

Apple has introduced Thread smart home support for the first time on an iPad, and it comes with the new M5-powered iPad Pro. This upgrade could change how Apple users interact with smart home devices in the future.

The new iPad Pro includes Apple’s latest N1 wireless chip, which supports:

• Wi-Fi 7
  
• Bluetooth 6
  
• Thread protocol
  

These three technologies are what power Matter, the smart home standard designed to make devices work together across brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, and Amazon.

What Is Thread and Why Does It Matter?

Thread is a wireless protocol designed for fast, secure, and low-power communication between smart home devices such as smart locks, lights, sensors, and plugs. It offers:

• Faster response time
  
• Better reliability
  
• Lower energy use
  
• Local device control without Wi-Fi
  

Thread also creates a self-healing mesh network, so devices can still communicate even if one node goes offline.

What Can the iPad Pro Do with Thread?

Right now, not very much — but it points to a smart home future.

Apple hasn’t officially explained why Thread was added, but here are the most likely uses:

1. Easier Setup of Smart Home Devices

Just like the iPhone 15 Pro, the new iPad Pro can help set up Thread-enabled devices like smart locks or smart plugs even if you don’t already have a Thread Border Router.

2. Direct Control of Smart Devices

The iPad won’t act as a Thread Border Router (because it’s not always plugged in), but it can directly control Thread devices, making your smart home more responsive and stable.

3. Backup Smart Home Control

If your Thread Border Router (like a HomePod Mini) goes off due to a power outage, the iPad can still communicate with battery-powered Thread devices like door locks.

Will the iPad Become a Home Hub Again?

This is the big question. In the past, iPads could act as Apple Home hubs, but Apple removed that feature in 2022 during the switch to the new Home Architecture. Now, Apple TV and HomePod Mini are required for automations and remote access.

With Thread now inside the new iPad Pro, Apple could be preparing to:
Bring back the iPad as a Home Hub
Make smart home setup easier
Improve Matter compatibility

However, some people feel using a $1,000 iPad Pro as a home hub is overkill. If Apple plans to restore hub features, it would make more sense on cheaper models like the iPad Mini.

TechCity