Smart homes and connected devices have become part of daily life, yet concerns persist over security and reliability. Manufacturers and platform providers seek integrated solutions to address vulnerabilities that often accompany rapid device adoption. The new partnership between Afero and Texas Instruments (TI) reflects growing interest in combining secure software with advanced semiconductors to deliver both efficiency and protection. This collaborative effort is positioned to demonstrate its capabilities at CES 2026, and its focus on domestic supply chain resilience may influence future industry standards and regulatory compliance across the United States.
Afero and Texas Instruments previously emphasized security features for smart home platforms but did not detail the level of end-to-end security and integrated U.S.-based manufacturing presented in the latest announcement. Earlier information centered on IoT connectivity without significant reference to silicon-level trust or new Wi-Fi 6 microcontrollers. The addition of cloud connectivity and direct developer support marks an expansion from past statements, suggesting an evolution in product scope and strategic priorities for both companies. Developments at this scale also reflect shifts towards more comprehensive and standardized approaches within the broader IoT industry.
What Differentiates the New IoT Platform?
Combining TI’s purpose-built Wi-Fi microcontrollers with Afero’s secure IoT software, the platform is designed for affordability, reliability, and security. Afero’s technology, already used by a leading home improvement retailer across millions of homes, is now integrated with TI’s latest chips, enhancing both security and development simplicity. The companies highlight a U.S.-sourced supply chain as a key advantage for device manufacturers concerned with security risks associated with overseas components.
How Is Device Security Strengthened?
According to Afero, its system provides a hardware root of trust and establishes encrypted, VPN-grade communication tailored for microcontrollers. This approach aims to safeguard IoT devices even from attacks that overcome other ecosystems. Joe Britt, CEO and Co-Founder of Afero, stated,
“For true enterprise-grade security, we must move beyond software-only solutions and establish verifiable trust at the deepest layer: the silicon itself.”
TI’s latest CC3501E and CC3551E Wi-Fi MCUs also support multi-band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4, and hardware-based security measures, making secure integration with cloud services more accessible for wider markets.
How Does the Platform Address Future Trends in AI and Edge Computing?
The joint solution is designed to respond to the increase in edge data processing and AI-powered workloads. Industry projections suggest a majority of enterprise data will soon be processed outside traditional data centers. The Afero platform integrates on-device data validation and local computation, helping reduce network burden and improve data authenticity before transferring to the cloud. Marian Kost, TI’s VP and GM of Connectivity Solutions, commented,
“This collaboration is a powerful example of how product and manufacturing innovation combine to enable a smarter world.”
The partnership anticipates regulatory changes with features such as post-quantum cryptography readiness and active participation in IoT standards organizations.
The partnership between Afero and Texas Instruments signals a convergence of advanced semiconductor technology and software-based IoT security at a time when connected device adoption is accelerating. Integrating U.S.-manufactured microcontrollers with an established IoT software platform may help manufacturers adhere to increasing regulatory demands and cybersecurity frameworks. Furthermore, the platform’s focus on frictionless onboarding and data-centric AI positions it well for complex, emerging applications in both residential and enterprise environments. For readers exploring IoT solutions, the collaboration offers a model that addresses supply chain transparency, scalable secure connectivity, and readiness for both present and future security threats—all relevant considerations in the evolving landscape of connected devices.
