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

Apple Event Logo

Apple Released Seven New Products Today

Wednesday March 11, 2026 7:05 am PDT by
Starting today, the seven new Apple products that were announced last week are available at Apple Stores and beginning to arrive to customers. The colorful MacBook Neo and all of the other new products are on display at most Apple Store locations around the world starting today. Apple Stores have inventory of the new products for both walk-in customers and Apple Store pickup, but...
ios 26 4 yellow

Everything New in iOS 26.4 Beta 4

Monday March 9, 2026 3:50 pm PDT by
Apple is continuing to test the iOS 26.4 beta, and the latest update is now available for developers and public beta testers. As testing goes on, there are fewer new features in each beta, but today’s release adds new emoji characters and a few other changes. New Emoji Apple added new emoji characters, including trombone, treasure chest, distorted face, hairy creature, fight cloud, orca,...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

Apple Planning 'MacBook Ultra' With Touchscreen and Higher Price

Sunday March 8, 2026 8:05 am PDT by
Apple is planning to launch an all-new "MacBook Ultra" model this year, featuring an OLED display, touchscreen, and a higher price point, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. Gurman revealed the information in his latest "Power On" newsletter. While Apple has been widely expected to launch new M6-series MacBook Pro models with OLED displays, touchscreen functionality, and a new, thinner design...

Top Rated Comments

61 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
61 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
61 months ago
Love my Nanoleaf Essentials lights. Work great and super quick with my HomePod mini.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hellosil Avatar
61 months ago
Thread becoming more standard is great!
Nanoleafs products are more interesting to me because of this.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️ Avatar
61 months ago
Pretty unique and interesting design. I like it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
chenks Avatar
61 months ago
the only flaw with these is always going to be the ugly cable running down the wall.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)