In 2025, Thread border routers are transitioning to the new Thread 1.4 specification, which is designed to resolve longstanding smart home interoperability issues by ensuring that border routers from different manufacturers can form a single, unified network rather than separate, competing ones [1] [3] [4]. This transition is part of broader efforts to integrate with Matter, the new smart home standard [4] [1].
Key developments for 2025:
- Thread 1.4 enables border routers to share network credentials across devices and brands, regardless of the operating system, facilitating seamless mesh networks in the home [1] [4].
- Major manufacturers like Apple (with upcoming tvOS 26 and HomePod OS 26), Amazon, Google, Samsung, and others are gradually adopting Thread 1.4 [4]. Apple is expected to launch support in fall 2025, while others plan updates into 2026 [4].
- From January 1, 2026, Thread 1.4 will be the only version qualified for official border router certification, and Thread 1.3 certification closes at the end of 2025 [4].
- The new HRAP (Home Router and Access Point) device type will securely store Thread credentials for easier onboarding of new devices and apps [1].
- For users, this means smart home devices like Apple TV, HomePod, Echo, Google Nest, and some Eero routers can soon collaborate on the same Thread mesh, resulting in greater reliability and extended wireless coverage [4] [1].
- Transition period: Users may face a mix of old and new Thread networks until vendors fully update their product lines and software; most upgraded or new routers will arrive via software updates or need hardware replacements for some older models [1] [4].
Practical considerations:
- Building a custom Thread 1.4 border router (e.g., with an ESP Thread Border Router board) is possible for enthusiasts and is increasingly documented, but commercial, plug-and-play options are mainly available from the large ecosystem players [5] [8].
- The Thread Group and Connectivity Standards Alliance are actively promoting Thread router awareness and education in 2025, aiming to make Thread as invisible and reliable in the background as Wi-Fi in the coming years [3].
Caveat: Not all households or products will have transitioned to Thread 1.4 through 2025, and some multi-brand setups may continue to experience segmentation of networks until industry-wide support is complete, likely coming together fully in 2026 [4].