Over the past eight months, Apple has released several devices featuring these unannounced Thread radios, including the M4 iPad Pro, M2 iPad Air, M3 series MacBook Pros, M3 MacBook Air, and M3 iMacs.
Despite their inclusion, Apple has not confirmed if the radios are active, and The Verge did not receive a response from Apple on their functionality.
According to FCC regulations, all radios in a product must be listed and tested, explaining their presence in the FCC reports despite their omission from public specifications.
Thread technology creates a mesh network enhancing the connectivity and reliability of smart home devices, surpassing Bluetooth capabilities.
It forms a crucial part of the Matter smart home protocol, enabling devices to communicate seamlessly. To function, Thread requires a border router, with known devices including the Apple TV 4K, HomePod, and HomePod mini, all of which Apple has publicly acknowledged.
The iPhone 15 Pro also features a Thread radio, but Apple has not disclosed this for other devices.
The presence of Thread radios in Macs and iPads could mean they might serve as future Thread border routers or Home Hubs for HomeKit devices, a role currently limited to the HomePod and Apple TV.
Previously, iPads acted as Home Hubs before Thread’s introduction, a feature Apple later removed.
The Verge suggests Apple might be preparing these devices for future use, hinting at potential integrations within the Home app and the prospect of connecting Apple Watches and other devices through Thread instead of Bluetooth.
