Aqara is expanding its role in the Apple Home ecosystem with new in-wall control panels that include native Siri access, marking the first time the voice assistant is available directly on a fixed smart home interface and not just an iPad. The company’s upgraded S1 Plus, as well as the MagicPad S1 Plus and Panel Hub S1 Plus, now support Siri through built-in microphones and speakers.
Decoupling Voice Control from Personal Devices
One of the key technical advantages with Aqara’s S1 Plus panels is their ability to accept “Hey Siri” voice commands without the need for a nearby iPhone, iPad, or HomePod. This transition to a shared, always-on access point makes voice commands more accessible to all household members, including guests and children who may not have personal Apple devices. Placing a dedicated control panel in high-traffic areas enables more predictable and reliable voice interactions for lighting, automation, and scene activation.
The S1 Plus with Siri integration operates as a central control hub for Apple Home environments. It combines visual and voice interfaces in a single, wall-mounted touchscreen, which can serve both aesthetic and practical deployment needs common to professional installations. The panel enables control over lighting, climate, security devices, and automations through Apple HomeKit, in addition to handling typical Siri queries such as reminders, alarms, and general information.
Integration with other Aqara products, including the G4 video doorbell, expands its functionality by delivering chime notifications and visual alerts directly to the panel. AirPlay support further allows the panel to function as an audio endpoint for music and podcasts, contributing to its utility as a multi-purpose device in the smart home.
Putting Siri in the Aqara S1 Plus comes as Apple is rumored to be making a smart home control panel of their own, ostensibly with Siri integrated. This is reported to be part of a larger smart home strategy and product line that will also include a camera, new HomePod, and other devices.
The company is expected to launch some of these devices sometime in 2026, timed with the launch of an enhanced Siri that leverages large language models.
Broader Implications for the Smart Home Market
The integration of Siri into a third-party, wall-mounted device highlights a shift toward more open collaboration between platform providers like Apple and hardware manufacturers. Such developments may encourage greater diversity of control interface options within smart home ecosystems.
By offering a fixed control solution with embedded Siri, Aqara expands the possibilities for designing comprehensive Apple Home-based systems. For integrators, the Aqara S1 Plus may serve as an important addition to their portfolios, addressing both technological requirements and evolving client expectations regarding accessibility and centralized control. The S1 Plus, however, isn’t yet available in the U.S.
Aqara has also recently launched Aqara Academy, an online training and certification platform for installers, integrators, and partners. The program offers three levels of certification—Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced—covering everything from product fundamentals to complex integration skills. Companies completing the Basic level may qualify for Aqara partnership opportunities, while individual installers gain official recognition and access to technical resources. Benefits include digital certificates, exclusive materials, priority support, business opportunities, and ongoing learning through updated courses and webinars.
At CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, Aqara introduced its first professional-grade solution for integrators: the Edge Hub M300 and the accompanying Aqara Studio Connect software. The plug-and-play platform supports Zigbee, Thread, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and pro protocols such as KNX IP, BACnet IP, and Modbus TCP, allowing installers to unify consumer Matter devices with professional HVAC, lighting, and security systems. Designed for residential, multi-family, and light commercial projects, the system enables interoperability with platforms including Control4, Josh AI, Nice, and major Matter ecosystems.
