Gadronics Aqara is giving Apple users a new way to interact with their smart homes, and this time it doesn’t involve reaching for a phone or shouting across the room.
The updated S1 Plus smart home control panel now comes with built-in Siri, making it the first wall-mounted controller that puts Apple’s assistant in a fixed, always-available spot for the whole household.
The idea is simple but clever: instead of Siri being tied to your personal device, the S1 Plus turns it into a shared assistant that anyone can use. Mounted in high-traffic areas like the kitchen, hallway, or living room, the panel’s onboard microphone and speaker remain active even when your iPhone isn’t nearby. Whether your phone is charging, silent, or out of the house entirely, the S1 Plus keeps Apple Home controls within reach.
Aqara is pitching this as a more inclusive way to run a smart home. Kids, grandparents, and guests can all use Siri to switch on lights, adjust appliances, run scenes, or check the weather, without needing their own Apple devices. Commands like “Set the Relax scene” or “Turn off the living room lights” work the same way they would on an iPhone or HomePod.
Beyond basic control, the S1 Plus also acts as a home hub for reminders, alarms, and quick updates. If your HomePod isn’t in earshot, you can still say, “Remind me at 7pm to call Mom,” or cancel alarms directly through the panel.
It also doubles as a dedicated home media interface. You can ask Siri to play music or podcasts, and the panel works with AirPlay and Aqara’s own doorbells, including the G4 and G410, to deliver chimes and announcements. The screen itself remains central to the experience, letting you monitor device status and manage automations at a glance.
With this update, Aqara is positioning the S1 Plus not just as another touchscreen on the wall, but as the home’s permanent, always-available access point to Siri, and potentially one of the most convenient ways to use Apple Home yet.
