Apple, Google add support for Thread 1.4

Apple and Google are updating their smart home streaming devices to Thread 1.4. As first spotted by Matter Alpha and 9to5 Google, the latest spec has arrived on compatible Apple TVs in the tvOS 27 developer beta and the Google TV Streamer through a software update.

This lays the groundwork for these devices, which serve as Thread Border Routers, to implement Thread credential sharing, enabling them to connect more easily to an existing Thread network rather than creating their own.

Thread is one of the connectivity protocols the interoperability standard Matter runs on. The original plan was for Thread Border Routers to all work seamlessly behind the scenes, but that didn’t pan out.

In 2024, the Thread 1.4 spec introduced a standardized way for border routers to share credentials. Two years later, with 1.4 on board, the streamers should offer a more straightforward way for users, manufacturers, and ecosystems to share the credentials so they join your existing Thread network. Think of it like sharing a Wi-Fi password.

However, it looks like I’ll still have to wait for a unified Thread network. While the Google TV Streamer now offers the option to generate a QR code to join a Thread network, it didn’t work for me. And although DNS discovery tools show my Apple TV is on Thread 1.4, there aren’t yet any options to share credentials in the current iOS and tvOS 27 dev betas. It’s worth noting that 1.4 appeared in a tvOS 26 beta, but got pulled before the final release.

Since there’s still no dev beta for HomePod Software 27, the smart speakers aren’t joining the party yet, either, and Google’s Nest Hubs still haven’t got a 1.4 update. My guess is the Google Home Speaker will land later this month with Thread 1.4.

The fact that the Apple TV and Google TV Streamer have Thread 1.4 at all is a big step in the right direction. To be fair, Apple and Google already handled this credential-sharing issue better than any other ecosystem — but unity here is only a good thing. And, considering Samsung added support for credential sharing on its SmartThings hubs last October, and Ikea’s Dirigera hub is on Thread 1.4, we’re now just waiting for Amazon to get on board and update its smart speakers to the latest spec. The company has said that will happen this year.

Once Amazon updates, the major ecosystems will all be on the same version of Thread, which could bring significant improvements to Matter/Thread smart homes.

I, for one, can’t wait to see my nine different Thread networks unified into one giant, meshy goodness.