LIFX has opened beta testing for Thread today on its latest Matter smart lights, allowing supported products currently running over Wi-Fi to switch to Matter over Thread through a firmware update.
The change is possible because its newer LCM4 hardware platform uses Espressif’s ESP32-C6, which supports multiple wireless protocals. Instead of releasing separate Wi-Fi and Thread versions of the same light, LIFX can now give existing owners a choice through software.
What’s supported, and how to apply
LIFX says products that shipped with Matter support have the hardware needed to run either Wi-Fi or Thread. Its current-generation products have been designed around that dual-radio capability, and LIFX previously said a Thread upgrade would arrive for its current lineup in 2026.
The broader hardware potential is LCM4. Since the platform is based on the ESP32-C6, in theory, LCM4-powered LIFX products should have the radio hardware required for Matter over Thread. Actual support still depends on LIFX’s firmware, individual product design, testing, and certification, so that does not mean every LCM4 product is currently eligible for the beta.
The bottom line, as LIFX stated on Reddit, is that all LIFX lights with Matter support out of the box will now support Thread.
LIFX Luna LED Lamp
For supported devices, new firmware adds a “Switch to Thread” option in the LIFX app. The device then needs a fresh setup rather than simply changing its existing Matter connection from Wi-Fi to Thread.
That means users should keep the Matter QR code or 11-digit setup code for their lights. Existing connections to platforms such as Apple Home or Google Home also need to be set up again after the move.
And a Thread Border Router is required, like Apple HomePod 2 and Google TV Streamer 4K.
Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
The HomePod (2nd Gen) is a powerful hub from Apple that delivers immersive, high-fidelity audio and intelligent assistance, while seamlessly integrating with your Apple devices and smart home accessories; it's also a key component for Matter compatibility, ensuring broad connectivity with a range of smart home devices.
Google TV Streamer (4K)
The Google TV Streamer is a dual-purpose device with Matter compatibility and a built-in Thread border router, enhancing smart home connectivity and 4K streaming.
Echo Dot Max
A compact smart speaker with a two-way design that delivers deeper bass, clearer highs, and adaptive room-filling sound.
The change is also reversible. Users can choose Wi-Fi or Thread for each compatible device rather than migrating their entire LIFX setup at once.
There is a trade-off. Thread has considerably less bandwidth than Wi-Fi, and firmware updates can therefore take longer. LIFX says updates over Thread can take around five to 20 minutes per device and is working on asynchronous updates to make the process less disruptive.
The Thread beta is currently open to users through LIFX’s testing program.
Espressif shifts the market
The more interesting story behind the LIFX update is Espressif.
Espressif is already one of the most common chipset choices for Wi-Fi IoT devices, especially in smart home products. Its newer multi-protocol chips now give those same manufacturers a relatively easy path into Thread without leaving the Espressif ecosystem.
The ESP32-C6 combines Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE, and IEEE 802.15.4 for Thread and Zigbee. LIFX uses it in its LCM4 platform, allowing products originally launched with Matter over Wi-Fi to gain Matter over Thread later through firmware.
LIFX is not alone in moving this direction. Shelly Gen4 also adopted Espressif multi-protocol hardware, adding Zigbee capabilities at the hardware level to a product family traditionally centered on Wi-Fi. Its current Matter implementation remains over Wi-Fi, but the hardware leaves more room for Thread options. Community firmware is now available for Shelly Gen 4 products with Thread capbilities.
Shelly Plug US Gen4
A smart plug with power metering and scheduling features, enabling energy-efficient automation for home and office use.
Shelly 1PM Gen4
A smart switch with power monitoring, multiprotocol connectivity, and automation capabilities for remote control and energy savings.
Shelly 1 Gen4
A multiprotocol smart switch with dry contact capability, ideal for retrofitting and smart automation with advanced control options.
That matters because Espressif already powers such a large number of Wi-Fi devices. A manufacturer familiar with its chips and tools can move to something like the ESP32-C6 and gain Thread capability without rebuilding the product around a completely different chipset platform and reduse SKUs.
It could also lower the entry barrier for Thread, which previously pushed many device makers toward more specialized chipset suppliers and start over with new SDKs.
Espressif is also expanding beyond chips and SDKs. Earlier this month, it released ESP RainMaker Neo, opening its device-to-cloud platform with firmware, cloud services, device management, updates, and an AWS-based backend. Combined with ESP-Matter, that gives manufacturers a broader path from chipset and firmware development to long-term product operation.
LIFX shows what that can mean in practice: Thread capability was already sitting inside the hardware, and can now be unlocked for existing products with software rather than another hardware revision.
(Source: LIFX, Espressif; Image: LIFX, SEEED Studio, FCC)
