Can an iPhone itself act as a Thread Border Router (OTBR) and provide Thread network connectivity to IP-based networks without having a HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV acting as a Thread Border Router on the same network?
Specifically:
Does any current iPhone model support acting as a Thread Border Router?
If the iPhone has Thread hardware support, can an iOS application use Apple’s APIs/frameworks to enable or control this functionality?
Can an iPhone independently create/manage a Thread network and route traffic between the Thread network and Wi-Fi/cellular network?
Is a HomePod mini, HomePod, or Apple TV (or another dedicated Thread Border Router) mandatory for an iPhone to communicate with Thread devices over IP?
If an iPhone cannot act as a Border Router, is there any supported Apple API that allows an app to perform equivalent functionality?
I’m specifically looking for the officially supported iOS/Apple platform capabilities, rather than third-party or undocumented solutions.
Any clarification regarding the current iPhone hardware and iOS versions that support Thread would be greatly appreciated.