Apple's iPhone 15 series begins to support Thread network, but needs to run iOS 16.4 or higher; 1. iPhone does not directly join the Thread network, but controls Thread devices through Home Hub devices (such as HomePod mini or Apple TV); 2. Thread is a low-power smart home device communication protocol based on IPv6, which can enable direct connection between devices without a central hub; 3. iPhone communicates with Thread boundary routers through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so as to remotely manage devices; 4. Use Home apps to easily add and manage Thread devices, and supports scene creation and automation; 5. Build Thread networks requires relying on a dedicated boundary router, and iPhone cannot play this role.

Apple introduced Thread network support starting with the iPhone 15 series, specifically requiring an iPhone running iOS 16.4 or later. This feature allows iPhones to interact with Thread-based smart home devices, although the iPhone itself does not directly join a Thread network.

What Is Thread Network Support?

Thread is a low-power mesh networking protocol designed for smart home devices. It operates on IPv6 and allows devices to communicate directly with each other without relying on a central hub. Apple has integrated Thread support into its HomeKit ecosystem, enabling seamless communication between compatible devices and the Home app.

The iPhone plays a supporting role in this setup. While it doesn't join the Thread network directly, it can control and configure Thread-enabled accessories through a Home Hub — typically an Apple TV, HomePod mini, or another compatible device. This hub acts as a bridge, managing communication between the Thread network and your iPhone over Wi-Fi.

How Does Thread Work with iPhone?

Here's how it works in practice:

• You need at least one Thread border router , such as a HomePod mini or Apple TV with Thread capability.
• The border router creates and manages the Thread network.
• Thread-based accessories (like sensors or smart lights) connect directly to the Thread network.
• Your iPhone communicates with these devices indirectly via the border router using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

This means that while your iPhone isn't part of the Thread network itself, it still has full control over the devices within it, even when you're away from home, thanks to iCloud integration.

Some benefits include:

• More stable and efficient connections between smart home devices
• Lower power consumption for Thread devices
• Better scalability compared to traditional Zigbee or Z-Wave setups

Which iPhones Support Thread?

As of now, only iPhone models from the iPhone 15 series onward support Thread network features. You also need to be running iOS 16.4 or newer .

Keep in mind that while the iPhone supports interacting with Thread networks, it doesn't act as a Thread border router. That job is reserved for devices like:

• HomePod mini
• Apple TV 4K (3rd gen or newer)
• Certain third-party routers and hubs that support Thread

So if you want to build a Thread-based smart home setup, you'll need one of those devices to serve as the backbone.

Setting Up Thread Devices with iPhone

Setting up Thread devices via your iPhone is straightforward:

• Make sure you have a Thread border router set up and connected
• Open the Home app on your iPhone
• Add the new accessory using the standard pairing process
• The system will automatically detect whether the device uses Thread

Once added, the device will appear in your Home app and function like any other smart home accessory. You can create scenes, automatic routines, and control them remotely — all with the same interface you're used to.

One thing to note: some Thread devices may not show advanced settings in the Home app unless they're MFi-certified (Made for iPhone). So if you're buying smart home gear, look for Apple HomeKit compatibility alongside Thread support.

Basically that's it.

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