Nanoleaf Adds Thread Border Router Support to Shapes and Elements Light Panels [Update: Rollout Next Month] - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Nanoleaf Adds Thread Border Router Support to Shapes and Elements Light Panels [Update: Rollout Next Month]

Since this article was published, Nanoleaf reached out to MacRumors to explain that the information was incorrectly shared early in Europe, and that Thread Border Router support will be in fact be rolled out next month.


Nanoleaf, the company that makes wall-mounted modular light panels in various shapes, today rolled out Thread border router support for its Shapes and Elements light panels, which can be arranged in multiple positions.

nanoleaf elements night time
As a quick explainer, Thread is a low latency and low power mesh-like network for smart devices. Unlike Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the Thread standard doesn't depend on a router or hub. Instead, the smart device itself extends the network by talking to other Thread-enabled devices, thereby boosting the signal between them.

Apple's HomePod mini and the latest Apple TV 4K act as Thread border routers, and by adding Thread-supported devices around the home, users can typically expect improved connectivity compared to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, a wider control range, and more remote scheduling options.

The new Nanoleaf Thread border router support also means Android users will be able to control the Essentials devices, too. Other devices that work with Thread include smart home products from Eve, the Nest Hub Max, and Nest Wi-Fi by Google.

(Via Trusted Reviews.)

Popular Stories

Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

11 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 18 Pro

Monday May 11, 2026 9:01 am PDT by
We're only four months out from the launch of Apple's premium next-generation smartphone lineup, and while we're not expecting a sea change in terms of functionality, there are still several enhancements rumored to be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year, adopting a...
iOS 26

iOS 26.5 Features: Everything New in iOS 26.5

Monday May 11, 2026 5:09 pm PDT by
Apple released iOS 26.5 after a few months of beta testing, and while it doesn't have the Siri features we were hoping for since those are being held until iOS 27, there are a handful of useful changes worth knowing about. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. End-to-End Encryption for RCS Support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and...
General Apps Reddit Feature

Reddit Starts Blocking Mobile Website, Pushing Users to App Instead

Monday May 11, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
Social network Reddit recently began blocking mobile visitors to its website while pushing them to download the official Reddit app, and it's fair to say that the move is not going down well with users. If you visit reddit.com on your iPhone today, you may see a new popup that can't be dismissed, asking you to "get the app to keep using Reddit." A Reddit spokesperson told Ars Technica...

Top Rated Comments

63 months ago
I appreciate the company's honesty in showing the cable in their promo photos. Most companies would do all sorts of trickery to hide it.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mw360 Avatar
63 months ago

the only flaw with these is always going to be the ugly cable running down the wall.
Yes, they need to include some of those invisible wires that come with wall-mounted TVs and speakers.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Macintosh IIvx Avatar
63 months ago
Love my Nanoleaf Essentials lights. Work great and super quick with my HomePod mini.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hellosil Avatar
63 months ago
Thread becoming more standard is great!
Nanoleafs products are more interesting to me because of this.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
chenks Avatar
63 months ago
the only flaw with these is always going to be the ugly cable running down the wall.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️ Avatar
63 months ago
Pretty unique and interesting design. I like it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)