Apple, Google adds support for Thread 1.4

Apple and Google are updating their home editing tools to Thread 1.4. As he saw it for the first time Alpha stuff and 9 to 5 Googlethe latest has arrived on Apple TV parallels in beta maintenance tvOS 27 and Google TV Streamer through program changes.

Thread is one of the communication protocols that the interoperability Matter standard controls. The original plan was for Thread Border Routers to all work seamlessly behind the scenes, but it didn’t go away.

In 2024, the Thread 1.4 spec introduced a standard way for routers to share information. Two years later, with 1.4 on the board, the moderators need to provide a straightforward way for users, developers, and communities to share information to join the existing Thread network. Think of it like sharing a Wi-Fi password.

However, it looks like I have to wait for the Thread connection. Although Google TV Streamer now offers the option to create a QR code to join the Thread network, it didn’t work for me. And even though the DNS discovery tools show that my Apple TV is on Thread 1.4, there are no ways to share information in the iOS and tvOS 27 dev betas. It is worth noting that 1.4 appeared in the tvOS 26 beta, but was pulled before the final release.

Since there is no dev beta for HomePod Software 27, smart speakers haven’t joined the party either, and Google’s Nest Hubs still don’t have the 1.4 update. My thoughts are Google Home Speaker will land at the end of this month and Thread 1.4.

The fact that Apple TV and Google TV Streamer both have Thread 1.4 is a big step in the right direction. To be sure, Apple and Google have already dealt with this data sharing issue more than any other ecosystem – but the agreement here is a good thing. And, considering Samsung additional support for profile sharing on its SmartThings hubs last October, and Ikea’s Dirigera hub is on Thread 1.4, we’re just waiting for Amazon to step up and update its smart speakers to make them sound better. The the company said which will happen this year.

Once Amazon is updated, all major ecosystems will be on the same Thread model, which can lead to significant changes to Smart buildings of Matter / Thread.

I, fortunately, can’t wait to see my nine Thread networks united into one good, good giant.