HomePod and Apple TV to Get Support for Thread 1.3 With tvOS 16.5 Update

iClarified has discovered that Apple will introduce support for Matter over Thread 1.3 with the release of tvOS 16.5 and HomePod Software Update 16.5. Previously, Apple's support for Thread was limited to version 1.2.

Thread is a low-power and low-latency wireless mesh networking protocol for smart home devices that aims to solve IoT complexities, addressing challenges such as interoperability, range, security, energy, and reliability. Thread networks have no single point of failure and include the ability to self-heal. Many HomeKit devices already support Thread. For example, Belkin's Wemo Smart Plug With Thread and Eve's Light Switch.

There are three primary use cases for the new version of Thread: enabling Matter, standardizing border routers which connect Thread networks to existing networks, and simplified in-field firmware updates. Thread 1.3.0 enables Matter devices to join a user's IP-based network and brings the full functionality of IP routing and service discovery, enabling Matter to operate seamlessly on Thread networks.


With Thread 1.3.0, users can more easily connect, configure, and use their smart devices with other smart devices and connect to their existing IP network, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Cellular, etc. through any certified Thread Border Router. Thread 1.3.0 enables devices to join IP-based networks with the full functionality of IP routing and service discovery. The result: users can experience a stronger, faster, and more dependable network when operating Thread-compatible products.

Here's an explanation of the benefits of Thread 1.3 as provided by the Thread Group:

● Seamless response across Matter devices: Thread 1.3.0 enables Matter devices to join users' IP-based networks while enabling low power, long-range use cases. Matter end devices can use any certified Thread Border Router already available in many devices today and work with all smart devices, regardless of whether those smart devices are connected via Wi-Fi, Thread, or Ethernet, making it easy for them to be added to a network, and allowing them to easily be joined to existing networks.

● Seamless integration into existing network infrastructure: Thread Border Routers make it simple for Thread devices to be discovered and communicate with devices outside the Thread network. This is because any Thread device appears like any other Wi-Fi device on the network. They can be reached via IP and discover services using mDNS. Unlike Wi-Fi access points, Thread Border Routers are unique as they can be built into any always powered device from any company minimizing the need for additional dedicated hardware.S


● Simplified in-field firmware updates: Upgrading an installed device can be cumbersome; Thread 1.3.0 allows simultaneous firmware updates by leveraging existing IP-based mechanisms for robust, reliable, and scalable bulk data transfer to all your Thread devices at the same time without sacrificing network performance.

Examples of Thread Border Routers currently available include:
● Apple TV 4K
● Apple HomePod mini​
● Apple HomePod​
● eero 6​
● eero Pro 6​ (20% off today)
● Echo (4th Gen)​
● Nest Hub Max​

Apple is set to release tvOS 16.5 and HomePod Software Update 16.5 next week. Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS to be notified when it becomes available.