Thread Border Routers May Not Sync Until 2026
▼ Summary
– The tvOS 26 beta adds Thread 1.4 to Apple TVs, and HomePod OS 26 will likely include it too, enabling border routers to join existing Thread networks.
– Thread 1.4 fixes the issue of separate Thread networks being created by different manufacturers’ border routers, unifying smart home connectivity.
– Full adoption of Thread 1.4 across major platforms like Google and Amazon won’t happen until 2026, delaying a seamless smart home experience for mixed-device users.
– Thread 1.4, released in September 2024, ensures border routers join existing networks regardless of brand, improving mesh network reliability and range.
– Older Thread versions (1.3) will be phased out by January 2026, with Thread 1.4 becoming the only certified specification for border routers.
Smart home enthusiasts facing Thread network fragmentation will need to wait until 2026 for full synchronization across devices. The recent tvOS 26 beta announcement at WWDC revealed Apple’s adoption of Thread 1.4, bringing hope for unified smart home networks. This update, expected to roll out this fall, will likely extend to HomePod OS 26 as well, marking a significant step toward resolving compatibility headaches.
Thread 1.4 introduces a standardized approach for border routers, like Apple TVs, HomePods, and third-party devices, to seamlessly join existing networks rather than creating separate ones. Ann Olivo, Thread Group’s VP of marketing, emphasized the industry’s shift toward this version, with major manufacturers gradually implementing the update. However, widespread adoption faces delays, as Google and Amazon won’t support Thread 1.4 until 2025 at the earliest, pushing full interoperability into 2026.
The protocol, designed for low-power IoT devices such as smart lights and sensors, relies on border routers to connect to the internet. Currently, devices from different brands, Apple, Google, Amazon, and Eero—often establish independent Thread networks, undermining the benefits of a cohesive mesh system. This fragmentation reduces reliability and range, frustrating users who mix hardware from multiple ecosystems.
One tester reported nine separate Thread networks in their home, illustrating the chaos caused by competing standards. While Thread 1.3 devices will phase out by December 2025, the transition to 1.4 remains uneven. Samsung plans to update its SmartThings border routers later this year, while Amazon and Google confirmed 2025 timelines for their compatible devices.
Google’s Nest routers currently attempt to integrate with existing networks using mobile credential sharing, a temporary fix that occasionally succeeds. For instance, a Google TV streamer recently joined an Apple-based Thread network during setup. Still, these workarounds highlight the need for universal adoption of Thread 1.4 to eliminate inconsistencies.
With the Thread Group mandating 1.4 certification by 2026, the smart home industry is inching toward a more streamlined future. Until then, users navigating mixed-device environments must brace for continued instability, patience will be key as manufacturers align their ecosystems.
(Source: The Verge)
