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It seems that Google is working on integrating Thread network support for Matter smart home ecosystems into Android 15. The option was recently discovered in an Android 15 beta. It will probably be ready for the update’s stable rollout.
The option was found by Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority in the Android 15 settings. It is not available by default, so Rahman had to “force” it to appear. Anyway, there will be a “Use Thread” option under the “Connection preferences” menu. Thread is basically a communication protocol designed for Matter-based product ecosystems.
Android TV OS 14 already supports Thread networks; phones are pending
It’s noteworthy that Android 14 already includes Thread support, but only on Android TV OS 14. According to the report, smartphones will start receiving it with the Android 15 update. That said, taking advantage of the Thread network will not only require Android 15 phones but also a Thread radio on the device. Currently, the only phones with a Thread radio are the iPhone 15 Pro series.
Matter and Thread are two different things. There may be Matter-supported devices incompatible with the Thread protocol. The latter basically helps boost the performance of your smart home device ecosystem. Thread enables faster and more agile connections and interactions between devices than Bluetooth and Wi-Fi protocols. However, you could set up a Matter-based network without needing Thread-supported devices.
In short, you can see the Matter standard as a common “language” in which your devices will communicate, and the Thread network as shorter paths between them. The current smart home market is fragmented among multiple platforms. There are devices designed for Google Home, Alexa, HomeKit, or SmartThings, for example. While some products are compatible with up to two of these platforms, there are also many that only support one.
Android 15’s Matter and Thread network support seek flawless smart home device interoperability
Matter seeks to solve the smart home fragmentation issue by overcoming interoperability limitations. All devices compatible with the standard should be able to interact with each other without problems. For example, you could manage an Alexa product from the Google Home app if both devices involved support Matter. Then, the experience will be even more agile and reliable if both devices also have Thread radios.
This year, Google announced that some new Google TVs would gain “Thread border router” capabilities. That is, they can act as the bridge between your Matter home ecosystem and your WiFi network to enable an internet connection. Once Thread network support is available on your Android 15 compatible phone, you will not need the “border router TV” to improve your Matter home ecosystem.
The real impact will probably take a few years
The goal is to achieve perfect interoperability between all your devices. Things are just getting started, so it will probably take years to see a significant impact. Currently, it is not even known which will be the first Android device to include Thread radios. However, in the not-so-distant future, you will no longer suffer headaches while looking for new smart home devices.