The Impact of Apple's M5 Chip and Thread Support for Smart Home Automation

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Apple’s latest product updates go beyond faster devices—they may change the way your smart home works. According to Jennifer Pattison Tuohy on Tech News Weekly, Apple's introduction of its N1 wireless networking chip in the new iPad Pro and MacBook lineup marks a significant step in integrating advanced smart home protocols directly into personal devices.

How the N1 Chip and Thread Support Enhance Smart Home Connectivity

At the heart of this week's Apple news is the N1 wireless chip, now powering the new iPad Pro. As explained by the Tech News Weekly team and smart home expert Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, the N1 chip combines Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread communication in one unit.

Thread is a low-power, self-healing mesh networking standard designed specifically for smart home devices. Previously, Thread support was mostly limited to the HomePod mini and select Apple TV models used as smart home hubs. With the iPad Pro's official Thread capability, users can expect more direct, local control of devices, smoother setup, and potentially longer battery life for smart home products.

What Is Thread, and Why Does It Matter?

Thread is a wireless networking technology developed for smart home use. Unlike Wi-Fi, which can be power-hungry, Thread is designed to keep battery-powered smart home gadgets running for months—even a year—on a single charge. More devices strengthen the Thread network, making your home more reliable. Thread border routers, like HomePod mini and Apple TV, help bridge your local network with the Internet, but now, with iPad Pro supporting Thread, setup and control get easier and more flexible.

For everyday users, Thread means less hassle, improved reliability, and the freedom to control smart home devices even when the internet is down. Additionally, recent software updates allow Thread border routers from different brands (Apple, Google, SmartThings) to work together for a seamless experience.

Will the iPad Become a Home Hub Again?

As discussed on the show, the iPad Pro’s N1 chip signals that Apple might be moving towards making iPads work as standalone home hubs again—a capability that was removed in earlier versions. Many users prefer controlling their smart homes from tablets rather than relying only on speakers or set-top boxes. If this change happens, having an iPad as a home hub could mean more flexibility, easier automation, and wider accessibility for smart home newcomers.

Apple hasn’t officially confirmed this feature’s return. However, the inclusion of full Thread support on the iPad Pro makes the possibility much stronger, and experts on Tech News Weekly expect similar connectivity upgrades soon for future Apple TV and HomePod Mini devices.

Why This Matters for Apple and Smart Home Users

Apple's strategy seems clear: unify smart home capabilities in its mainstream products. Whether you’re buying the latest iPad, MacBook Pro, or iPhone, Apple wants these devices to interact seamlessly with every smart gadget in your house. By building Thread directly into its hardware, Apple is making smart homes simpler, faster, and more reliable for everyone—not just tech enthusiasts.

This could also bring broader compatibility across platforms thanks to Matter, the universal smart home standard that runs on Thread. Setting up new gadgets will feel more like plugging in a lamp and less like programming a computer.

Key Takeaways

• Apple’s new N1 chip integrates Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread in one package, first seen in the iPad Pro and new MacBook Pro.
• Thread is a next-generation smart home protocol that creates reliable, battery-efficient, self-healing networks.
• The iPad Pro now supports Thread, making smart home device setup and control easier—even without a dedicated hub.
• Apple may reintroduce the iPad as a full-featured home hub, offering more flexibility in managing smart homes.
• The move paves the way for future Apple products (Apple TV, HomePod Mini) to become even better smart home control centers.
• Thread support helps ensure local device control even if your internet goes out and allows devices from different manufacturers to work together.
• Everyday users can expect smarter, longer-lasting smart devices and easier setup.
• These changes hint at a future where smart home tech is simpler and more accessible for all Apple users.

The Bottom Line

Apple's inclusion of Thread and the N1 chip in its new iPad Pro represents a tangible upgrade for any user interested in home automation. On Tech News Weekly, hosts and guests highlighted how this change not only boosts smart home reliability and local control but may reshape which Apple products serve as your home’s automation hub in the future. If you’re planning to upgrade or start a smart home, Apple’s latest devices are worth considering.

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