Apple surprised everyone last fall when they announced the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max with a built-in Thread radio. Now, it appears they’ve quietly added this same radio to several new Macs and iPads released since September 2023.

While Apple hasn’t mentioned Thread in any of the product specs, reports from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) tell a different story. These reports indicate that many of Apple’s latest devices, including:

• iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) (Wi-Fi)
• iPad Air 11-inch (M2) (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
• iPad Air 13-inch (M2) Wi-Fi
• MacBook Air 15-inch (M3)
• MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3)
• MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Pro or M3 Max)
• MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Pro or M3 Max)
• iMac (M3, two ports)
• iMac (M3, four ports)

have all undergone FCC testing for Thread radios. The FCC requires manufacturers to test all radio transmitters in their devices to ensure they comply with regulations and don’t interfere with other signals.

Tom Sciorilli, director of certification for the Thread Group, explains that these FCC reports reference a specific regulation (FCC 15.247) which basically ensures these devices won’t cause any disruptions on the radio spectrum. The reports also mention the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, which Thread runs on.

So, what exactly is Thread? Thread is the backbone of Matter, the new smart home standard that Apple co-developed and which now forms the foundation of their Apple Home platform. Designed specifically for internet-connected devices (IoT), Thread is a low-power, low-bandwidth mesh networking protocol. Compared to Bluetooth, Thread offers faster speeds and a wider range, making it ideal for smart home devices like lights, locks, thermostats, and sensors.

Apple has been using Thread for a while now, integrating it into the HomePod Mini (since 2020), HomePod 2, and some Apple TV models. However, they haven’t announced the presence of Thread radios in any Macs or iPads.

The mystery deepens when you consider the Apple Home app, which already runs on Macs and iPads. With built-in Thread radios, these devices could potentially communicate directly with smart home gadgets and act as Thread border routers. While iPads once functioned as home hubs in the earlier Apple Home architecture, this capability was dropped with the new system – and those iPads lacked Thread radios.

Apple’s brief mention of the Thread radio in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max announcement only hinted at “future opportunities for Home app integrations,” leaving even them without a clear explanation. Perhaps the most likely reason is futureproofing. Tri-band radio chips that combine Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread are becoming increasingly popular, so including Thread may have simply been an easy decision for Apple.

Beyond the smart home, Thread’s low power consumption and low latency make it attractive for other applications as well. It could potentially connect various peripherals like smartwatches, fitness trackers, and even AirTags, keyboards, and mice to your computer, smartphone, or iPad.

While the exact purpose of these “future opportunities” remains unclear, it’s evident that Thread, the wireless protocol Apple is weaving across its devices, is destined to play a significant role in the future.