Aqara has launched the S1 Plus, a smart home hub designed for wall mounting and featuring native integration with both Apple’s Siri and AirPlay. The device aims to streamline smart home control and audio experiences,offering a centralized solution for Aqara’s ecosystem and broader HomeKit compatibility.
The S1 Plus arrives as Apple’s own smart home advancements face scrutiny.Recent reports indicate delays in rolling out extensive AI features initially planned for iOS 18’s Apple Intelligence, with Siri’s overhaul proving particularly challenging. Apple is reportedly integrating a variant of Google’s Gemini into Siri’s underlying infrastructure, signaling a notable shift in approach. The Aqara S1 Plus provides an choice for users seeking robust,immediate smart home functionality and voice control,particularly within the Apple ecosystem.
The hub boasts a 7-inch touchscreen display and serves as a control panel for Aqara devices, as well as a broader range of HomeKit-compatible accessories. Beyond smart home management, the S1 Plus incorporates AirPlay 2, enabling users to stream audio directly to the device, functioning as a wall-mounted speaker.Aqara has not yet announced pricing or availability details for all regions.