New MacBook Air and Mac Studio Come with Thread Radio

Major Matter promoter Apple just updated its MacBook Air and Mac Studio product lines on Wednesday, and new filings with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) confirm that these devices include Thread radio chips.

Expanding Thread Implantation

Following the product launch, the FCC database was updated with four new stock-keeping units (SKUs), each accompanied by a Thread radio report. These reports confirm that the new Macs will ship with built-in Thread support, ready for immediate use.

(Source: FCC)

Apple initially introduced Thread support with the iPhone 15 Pro models, later expanding it across the entire iPhone 16 lineup last year. Some high-end Mac and iPad models have also incorporated Thread radios. However, Apple has so far excluded the lower-end iPhone 16e and certain iPad models, possibly as a cost-saving measure.

This move aligns with Apple’s ongoing efforts to integrate Thread and Matter within its ecosystem. Several mid-to-high-end Apple devices already ship with Thread, enabling setup and control Matter-over-Thread devices without a hub. This capability has been available since iOS 18.2, released in December 2024.

Why Does it Matter?

Apple previously allowed iPads to function as smart home hubs, enabling remote access via iCloud. However, this feature was discontinued with the release of iPadOS 16 in 2022. Apple’s continued investment in Thread suggests the potential return of similar functionality – not just for iPads, but for Macs as well. Meanwhile, Google is pursuing a similar strategy with Google Home Runtime, which aims to bring smart home hub capabilities to Android and Linux devices, including third-party hardware and Pixel phones equipped with Thread chips. 

A Thread-enabled mobile device enables peer-to-peer communication, ensuring smart locks and other devices remain operational even during power or network outages. For devices like the Mac Studio, which remains powered on throughout the day, Apple could implement a Thread Border Router feature or integrate it as part of a broader mesh networking strategy.

“It will streamline user experience with Matter-Over-Thread devices,” said Finn Chen, CEO of Longan Link Tech Co.,LTD, a Matter solution provider. Users can have basic direct control experience with a Thread-enabled device without worrying about if they have a Thread Border Router at home. And this should also reduce the refund rate for all device vendors due to failures and frustration during the setup, Finn added.

Some major smartphone vendors also showed interest in using Thread chips in their devices, Finn told MatterAlpha. As Thread adoption grows, we may see more mobile devices equipped with Thread radios, much like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth today.