Apple makes HomeKit more open and flexible by joining the Thread Group

Apple is now a member of the Thread Group, which is driving the development of a mesh networking protocol for connecting smart devices.

Current members of the Thread Group include ARM, Bosch, Nest, Osram, Qualcomm and Siemens. Apple is joining the alliance as a sponsor and will have a seat on the board of directors, giving it significant influence over the protocol's development.

The goal of the Thread Group is to enable standardized networking of smart home devices. It is based on an IPv6-based mesh networking protocol. Currently, Apple's HomeKit only supports Bluetooth and WLAN. Bluetooth only makes sense over short distances. Therefore, it is necessary to set up home hubs in the form of other Apple products such as iPads, HomePod or Apple TV to be able to control these smart home products from the iPhone on the go.

The Thread Group's networking protocol enables more flexible and extensive integration of smart home hardware. Apple has been working on opening up HomeKit for more than a year in order to better position its home networking technology in the marketplace.