Apple today has joined the smart home-dedicated group The Thread Group. While Apple’s extent of involvement in the group is unclear at this point, the company is now listed as a “member” on The Thread Group website…
Thread is described as a new mesh network standard that aims to make it easier for varying smart home technologies to work together. Thread is designed to support devices ranging from appliances, climate control, and lighting to security, access control, and more.
Currently, a handful of routers and other network equipment work with Thread:
Currently, HomeKit accessories must work via either Bluetooth or WiFi. Apple supporting Thread could mean support for an additional standard beyond Bluetooth or WiFi.
- Simple installation using your smartphone, tablet or computer
- Scalable to connect 250+ devices into a single network supporting multiple hops
- Provides security at network and application layers
- Product install codes are used to ensure only authorized devices can join the network
- Supported by banking-class, public-key cryptography
Again, it’s unclear as to the extent of Apple’s involvement in The Thread Group. The company has yet to comment on the decision. We’ll update if we learn more.
