The iPad just got the chip it needs to be a smart home controller — again
Key Takeaways
- The new M5 iPad Pro is the first iPad to officially support the Thread smart home protocol.
- The Thread support is enabled by the new N1 wireless networking chip, which also brings Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
- This addition will likely allow the iPad Pro to facilitate the setup of Thread smart home devices without an immediate need for a separate border router.
- The hardware inclusion raises speculation that Apple might eventually restore the iPad's role as a full Apple Home hub.
- The N1 chip's presence suggests it will likely appear in future smart home devices like the rumored new Apple TV and HomePod Mini 2.
The M5-powered iPad Pro has become the first iPad to officially list support for the Thread smart home protocol, integrated through the new N1 wireless networking chip which also enables Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. This addition aligns the iPad with the Matter smart home standard, suggesting users may soon be able to set up Thread devices directly without needing a separate border router, similar to the functionality introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro. Although the iPad cannot act as a mains-powered Thread border router itself, having the radio allows for direct, reliable control of Thread gadgets, even during power outages if a border router fails. A more speculative but exciting possibility is that Apple might be planning to bring the iPad back into the Home hub fold, a function deprecated in 2022, which would enable advanced automations and remote control. Regardless of the immediate hub status, the inclusion of the N1 chip strongly suggests this technology will soon appear in future smart home hardware like updated Apple TVs or HomePod Minis, boosting their performance as hubs.
