Thread can talk to your phone using a gateway. Thread is IPv6 based. The gateway, called border router, is no different than access point in function.
Current systems require a hub, talk protocol to hub, hub talks Zigbee to device. Home Assistant is great, but you still need device running it. Thread requires border router, but that is simpler device and only does networking.
Matter is the other part of Zigbee, the home automation profile. I get the impression it is bloated with multiple companies involved, but it is standard. Matter means that your phone can talk to Wifi device with your choice of apps.
Current systems require a hub, talk protocol to hub, hub talks Zigbee to device. Home Assistant is great, but you still need device running it. Thread requires border router, but that is simpler device and only does networking.
Matter is the other part of Zigbee, the home automation profile. I get the impression it is bloated with multiple companies involved, but it is standard. Matter means that your phone can talk to Wifi device with your choice of apps.