2 min read
Apple’s latest M5-powered iPad Pro introduces a major smart home upgrade. It is the first iPad to support the Thread smart home protocol officially. The device features Apple’s new N1 wireless networking chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and Thread connectivity, the three core protocols behind the Matter standard.
Although some previous iPads and Macs reportedly included Thread radios, Apple never confirmed them in official specs. The new iPad Pro is the first to list Thread support publicly, hinting that Apple might be preparing to bring the iPad back as a Home hub.
For now, the addition doesn’t change much. Similar to when Apple quietly added Thread to the iPhone 15 Pro, the company hasn’t explained its purpose here either. However, experts believe it will let users set up Thread-enabled smart devices without a dedicated border router. This would make pairing smart lights, locks, or plugs simpler and faster, even though full functionality may still require a border router.
Apple to Reintroduce the iPad as a Home Hub
While the iPad Pro can’t act as a Thread border router, since those need a constant power source, the built-in Thread radio does allow direct communication with smart home devices. This could improve response times and reliability, especially in cases where the main hub is offline.
Apple has used Thread since 2020, starting with the HomePod Mini. The technology offers lower latency, better energy efficiency, and stable local control. Though Thread-compatible devices remain limited, the ecosystem continues to expand steadily.
There’s also speculation that Apple may restore the iPad’s Home Hub functionality. Older iPads once supported automations and remote access, but Apple removed this role in 2022 with its new Home Architecture. Currently, users need a HomePod Mini or Apple TV to manage advanced automations remotely.
If Apple reintroduces the iPad as a Home hub, it would be a practical step, especially for smaller or affordable models like the iPad Mini. Using a premium $1,000 iPad Pro for home automation may feel excessive, but it signals Apple’s broader commitment to smart home integration.
The debut of the N1 chip also hints at what’s next. It could soon appear in upcoming devices such as a new Apple TV or HomePod Mini 2, potentially enhancing their speed, responsiveness, and reliability as smart home hubs.
