Apple TV Thread 1.4 Update Coming in tvOS 26 This Fall

[MacRumors]

Apple TV devices will support Thread 1.4 when tvOS 26 launches this fall, according to network analysis by Matter Alpha. The update was discovered in the tvOS 26 beta announced at WWDC, suggesting the upcoming HomePod Software 26 will also support the latest version of the protocol.

Thread 1.4 addresses a particular issue in the form of competing Thread networks. Previously, border routers from different manufacturers would create separate networks, which fragments your smart home setup. The new standard ensures all Thread 1.4 devices join a single mesh network instead.

The protocol update also gives Thread devices direct internet access, enabling features like smart shades that adjust based on weather conditions or lights that change color with sports scores.

Since HomePod uses a fork of tvOS, the upcoming HomePod Software 26 will likely include Thread 1.4 support as well. Both Apple TV 4K and HomePod models work as home hubs in Apple's smart home ecosystem, and they also serve as Thread border routers.

Thread 1.4 was officially released in September 2024 and includes improved testing tools for manufacturers plus better network visibility for troubleshooting. The Thread Group reports major device and platform vendors are gradually adopting the standard, though Google and Amazon's adoption of Thread 1.4 is expected to come next year at the earliest.

Apple users will gain access to the new Thread 1.4 capabilities when tvOS 26 is released in September.

Article Link: Apple TV Thread 1.4 Update Coming in tvOS 26 This Fall

 

[fatTribble]

This is good news. I believe the original HomePod does not support Thread, only the new HomePod and the HomePod mini support it. And only the latest Apple TV supports thread if you choose the higher priced version with Ethernet. Please feel free to correct.

 

[MakaniKai]

Thread is such an awesome protocol, I have been using it all over my house. I go out of my way to buy Matter over Thread devices as much as possible. It's very nice to keep the devices from congesting my wifi, and the battery powered devices last much longer.

 

[TechWhisperer]

Just to be clear, that means fall 2029.

 

[tsubikiddo]

This is great contribution from Apple to leverage its huge install base to establish Matter 1.4 as the new baseline for Matter smart home product.
hoping this will chart the course to achieve cross-platform multi-admin with the other Android users

I am fortunate to have 4x home pod minis across the house,
together with Eve Energy smart plugs and Nanoleaf essential smart bulbs as thread router, quality of life user experience has been great,
it just works!

 

[FishyFish]

this is absolutely awesome. thank you apple.

hoping this will chart the course to achieve cross-platform multi-admin with the other Android users

 

[HQuest]

This is good news. I believe the original HomePod does not support Thread, only the new HomePod and the HomePod mini support it. And only the latest Apple TV supports thread if you choose the higher priced version with Ethernet. Please feel free to correct.

I have been using thread since its early days with both the original HomePod and the original AppleTV 4k devices. Plus at the Home Hubs & Bridges setting of a Home it just says “any Apple TV 4th gen or later or HomePod” without further restrictions.

 

[b17777]

This is great contribution from Apple to leverage its huge install base to establish Matter 1.4 as the new baseline for Matter smart home product.
hoping this will chart the course to achieve cross-platform multi-admin with the other Android users

I am fortunate to have 4x home pod minis across the house,
together with Eve Energy smart plugs and Nanoleaf essential smart bulbs as thread router, quality of life user experience has been great,
it just works!

I also have a half dozen Nanoleaf bulbs and Eve Energy, but have not updated the firmware in a long time because everything is working great the way it is. I always update the Mini's and ATV's but am nervous about the bulbs, and the Eve Energy's which haven't been updated to Matter.

 

[fatTribble]

I have been using thread since its early days with both the original HomePod and the original AppleTV 4k devices. Plus at the Home Hubs & Bridges setting of a Home it just says “any Apple TV 4th gen or later or HomePod” without further restrictions.

Here is Apple’s list:

Thread-enabled Apple devices:

• Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet
• Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)
• HomePod (2nd generation)
• HomePod mini
• iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or later running iOS 18

If you see a 'Thread Border Router Required' or 'Needs Thread Network' alert on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

The accessory you are trying to set up requires a Thread border router and your Apple device does not support Thread.

support.apple.com

 

[dustin.haley]

I have been using thread since its early days with both the original HomePod and the original AppleTV 4k devices. Plus at the Home Hubs & Bridges setting of a Home it just says “any Apple TV 4th gen or later or HomePod” without further restrictions.

You likely have another device acting as a Thread Boarder Router. Like the other user said, those devices do not support Thread (or even have a thread chip inside) and are just acting as your Home Hub.

 

[victorvictoria]

Huh?

 

[seek3r]

But I dont want thread devices to have any direct internet access… same with any iot/smart home gear I have… this is why I’ve been avoiding thread

Thread needs firewall functionality that’s exposed to the user better baked into border router requirements, but that wont happen because the standards makers here are also by and large the manufacturers that want that sweet sweet telemetry

 

[tsubikiddo]

I also have a half dozen Nanoleaf bulbs and Eve Energy, but have not updated the firmware in a long time because everything is working great the way it is. I always update the Mini's and ATV's but am nervous about the bulbs, and the Eve Energy's which haven't been updated to Matter.

Apply the good ol' adage: if it ain't broke, don't fix it

I started with the Nanoleaf Matter essential bulbs first, I had to update the firmware to get cirdcadian lighting.
But lemme tell you, Nanoleaf's firmware update process is rough ! The process was slow, sometimes it fails for unknown reason, sometimes the bulbs disconnects, or lose pairing.
I fully support you don't update the Nanoleaf firmware as long as you can live with what you have, or unless there are specfic features that you need from the new version

You may have to think hard on the Eve Energy smart plugs. the Apple HomeKit ones can all be turn into Matter versions, but this is a one-time irreversible process. You may want to wait-and-see if Matter 1.4 really is worth it.

I now have Matter-over-Thread full house saturation, looking forward to the SwitchBot Lock Ultra + Hub 3 in the mail ! : ))

 

[victorvictoria]

But I dont want thread devices to have any direct internet access… same with any iot/smart home gear I have… this is why I’ve been avoiding thread

Thread needs firewall functionality that’s exposed to the user better baked into border router requirements, but that wont happen because the standards makers here are also by and large the manufacturers that want that sweet sweet telemetry

I'm curious: what ioT devices do you have connected? And how did you resolve their inability to connect when WPA3 encryption is enabled? Do you have a gateway that allows multiple SSID's to run those that only work with WPA2? Or did you downgrade your entire network to WPA2?

 

[seek3r]

I'm curious: what ioT devices do you have connected? And how did you resolve their inability to connect when WPA3 encryption is enabled? Do you have a gateway that allows multiple SSID's to run those that only work with WPA2? Or did you downgrade your entire network to WPA2?

what does WPA3/2 have to do with this? This is network routing, even forgetting about VLANs blocking egress for a device is basic functionality on any router…

 

[benoit79]

Hopefully this will finally fix various HomePod issues Apple introduced over the years!

 

[dubiousgif]

Here is Apple’s list:

Thread-enabled Apple devices:

• Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet
• Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)
• HomePod (2nd generation)
• HomePod mini
• iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or later running iOS 18

If you see a 'Thread Border Router Required' or 'Needs Thread Network' alert on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

The accessory you are trying to set up requires a Thread border router and your Apple device does not support Thread.

support.apple.com

They need to add “except iPhone 16e”.

 

[tennisproha]

I only buy Matter over Thread accessories now. It’s such a seamless and efficient protocol.

 

[victorvictoria]

what does WPA3/2 have to do with this? This is network routing, even forgetting about VLANs blocking egress for a device is basic functionality on any router…

because there aren't any internet of things devices that work with WPA3. And you mentioned them.

 

[seek3r]

because there aren't any internet of things devices that work with WPA3. And you mentioned them.

I mostly use zigbee devices, with some lutron thrown in, and the gateways are wired, much like a border router for thread, except in the zigbee case I now use a gateway I run, and in lutron’s case I have the gateway blocked from egress at my router (when my zigbee devices were all hue with a hue bridge I had that bridge blocked from egress too)

I *could* run my own thread router but I’d have to make sure all thread devices went through it to restrict things, which is annoying

 

[Rychiar]

Thread has been such hot garbage for me. I thought it would solve any smart home issues but instead it created more. And the whole “self healing network” is a joke. I have 5 HomePods and an Apple TV and multiple nanoleaf border routers and you’d think that would make it stronger but it’s awful. I really hope this update helps

 

[victorvictoria]

I mostly use zigbee devices, with some lutron thrown in, and the gateways are wired, much like a border router for thread, except in the zigbee case I now use a gateway I run, and in lutron’s case I have the gateway blocked from egress at my router (when my zigbee devices were all hue with a hue bridge I had that bridge blocked from egress too)

I *could* run my own thread router but I’d have to make sure all thread devices went through it to restrict things, which is annoying

Now I get it. Your devices are not "things" like ovens, dishwashers, washer/dryers or refrigerators. Those will not install if using WPA3, and even if it's temporarily disabled back to WPA2, when moving back to WPA3 they disconnect. All of them. Every ioT enabled appliance. Every single one. The only way to run them is by adding a router that supports multiple SSIDs, and being careful not to overlap with the IP range on the gateway, and run those "things" with WPA2 encryption, and only on the 2.4 Ghz band. Maybe in 10-20 years, they'll catch up, but I'm not holding my breath.

All my smart devices are native Matter or HomeKit.

 

[seek3r]

Now I get it. Your devices are not "things" like ovens, dishwashers, washer/dryers or refrigerators. Those will not install if using WPA3, and even if it's temporarily disabled back to WPA2, when moving back to WPA3 they disconnect. All of them. Every ioT enabled appliance. Every single one. The only way to run them is by adding a router that supports multiple SSIDs, and being careful not to overlap with the IP range on the gateway, and run those "things" with WPA2 encryption, and only on the 2.4 Ghz band. Maybe in 10-20 years, they'll catch up, but I'm not holding my breath.

All my smart devices are native Matter or HomeKit.

Which means you’d deeply benefit from apple having a firewall utility for thread routers that let you easily restrict access beyond the thread mesh

 

[OGdrknight]

I admit I’m not well-versed in this protocol, but I do have a few devices that support it. As long as it enhances the efficiency of my network, I’m perfectly fine with any new updates!