Apple’s latest iPad Pro isn’t just a powerhouse for creative professionals — it’s also quietly stepping into the world of smart homes. With the introduction of the new M5 chip and Apple’s advanced N1 wireless system, the 2025 iPad Pro adds Thread support, opening new possibilities for smart-home enthusiasts. But can it truly act as a Home Hub for Apple’s ecosystem? Let’s explore what Thread means, how it enhances the iPad Pro’s connectivity, and what limitations still remain.
What Is Thread and Why It Matters
Thread is a next-generation networking protocol designed for smart-home devices. Unlike Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, Thread creates a low-power mesh network where devices can communicate directly with each other. This results in faster response times, better reliability, and improved energy efficiency.
Thread also plays a major role in Matter, the universal smart-home standard backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, and others. By supporting Thread, Apple’s iPad Pro joins the growing family of devices ready for a truly interoperable smart-home future.
Thread Support on the iPad Pro
The new iPad Pro, powered by Apple’s M5 chip and N1 wireless co-processor, now officially supports Thread, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6. This combination enables the iPad Pro to communicate with Thread-enabled devices directly, such as smart bulbs, sensors, and locks.
In practical terms, this means users can:
- Set up and control Matter over Thread accessories using the Apple Home app.
- Enjoy faster pairing and more stable connectivity during device setup.
- Experience local control of certain Thread-enabled accessories without relying on the cloud.
This integration makes the iPad Pro a powerful tool for managing a smart-home network — but there’s a catch.
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Why the iPad Pro Isn’t a Full Home Hub
Despite its Thread capability, the iPad Pro cannot replace a dedicated Apple Home Hub. Apple limits “always-on” home-hub functionality to specific devices such as the HomePod, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K with Ethernet and Thread support.
This means the iPad Pro can help you:
- Set up and manage smart-home accessories
- Control devices locally when you’re at home
But it cannot:
- Automate routines that run while the iPad is asleep or away
- Provide remote access to your home devices
- Act as a permanent Thread border router
Apple intentionally restricts full home-hub capabilities to always-powered devices that stay online 24/7, ensuring reliable automation and secure connections.
Practical Uses of Thread on the iPad Pro
Even without full hub functionality, Thread support adds genuine value to the iPad Pro in smart-home contexts. Here’s how users can make the most of it:
- Simplified Setup – Use the iPad Pro to quickly onboard new Matter or Thread-enabled accessories.
- Diagnostic Tool – Move around the house to test Thread device connectivity and signal coverage.
- Local Control Station – Manage your HomeKit and Matter accessories via the Home app with low latency.
For professionals who already use the iPad Pro as a productivity or home-control center, Thread integration is another step toward a seamless connected experience.
Apple’s Ecosystem and the Future of Smart Homes
Apple’s strategy appears to be evolving. By embedding Thread radios into more devices, Apple is clearly preparing for a future where inter-device communication is faster, private, and cloud-independent. While the iPad Pro may not yet act as a full-fledged home hub, it contributes to a more robust and distributed smart-home environment.
Future iPadOS updates may expand these capabilities — potentially allowing iPads to serve as temporary or mobile hubs within a household network. As Matter continues to mature, Apple is likely to deepen the integration between its devices, creating a unified experience across iPhone, iPad, HomePod, and Apple TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thread support on the iPad Pro?
Thread is a low-power, mesh networking technology designed for smart-home devices. With Thread built into the new iPad Pro, it can directly communicate with compatible Matter and HomeKit accessories, improving connection reliability and reducing setup time.
Can the iPad Pro act as a full Apple Home Hub?
No. Although the latest iPad Pro supports Thread, it cannot serve as a full-time Apple Home Hub. Only HomePod, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K can function as always-on Home Hubs that manage automations, remote access, and Thread border routing.
Which iPad Pro models support Thread?
As of 2025, only the iPad Pro (M5, 2025) with Apple’s N1 wireless chip officially supports Thread networking. Older models, including M4 and below, do not include this feature.
Does Thread work with both HomeKit and Matter devices?
Yes. Thread is a foundational technology used by Matter, which Apple’s Home app supports alongside HomeKit. Devices that are Matter-over-Thread compatible can be easily added and controlled through the iPad Pro.
Can I use my iPad Pro to control smart-home devices remotely?
You can control devices locally when you’re home and connected to the same network. However, for remote access, you’ll still need a Home Hub device such as a HomePod or Apple TV that stays powered on and connected.
Will future iPad OS updates make the iPad Pro a Home Hub?
Apple has not officially confirmed this. However, given the inclusion of Thread hardware, future iPadOS versions may expand the iPad’s role in the Apple Home ecosystem, potentially enabling limited or mobile hub functions.
Conclusion
The new iPad Pro’s Thread support marks a significant milestone for Apple’s smart-home ambitions. It transforms the iPad from a mere controller into an active participant in the home’s IoT ecosystem. While it cannot yet replace dedicated Home Hub devices, its enhanced wireless capabilities make it an essential companion for setup, control, and on-the-go management of modern smart homes.
In short, the iPad Pro with Thread bridges creativity, productivity, and connectivity — paving the way for Apple’s smarter, more integrated home of the future.
