The iPad just got the chip it needs to be a smart home controller — again

The article discusses the addition of Apple's N1 wireless networking chip in the new M5-powered iPad Pro, which brings support for the Thread smart home protocol. This could potentially pave the way for the iPad to once again serve as a Home hub, a role it had previously played. The N1 chip adds Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, the three wireless protocols that the Matter smart home standard runs on. While other iPads and Macs have reportedly had Thread radios, this is the first iPad model to officially support the protocol. The article suggests that this move could make it easier for users to set up and control Thread-enabled smart home devices, even without a dedicated Thread border router. However, the article also notes that the iPad would not be able to function as a Thread border router itself, as those devices need to be mains-powered. The article also speculates that Apple could be considering bringing the iPad back into the Home hub fold, which would allow it to run automations and enable remote control of smart home devices. However, the article suggests that this functionality might be more suited to lower-cost or compact iPad models, rather than the high-end iPad Pro.