If you're one of the many smart home enthusiasts in Europe who invested in the Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus (also known as the MagicPad S1 Plus) earlier this year, get ready for a significant upgrade. Aqara has begun rolling out a new firmware update that seamlessly integrates the powerful control panel deeper into the Apple ecosystem, adding highly-requested features like "Hey Siri" support and AirPlay streaming.
The news first broke on the popular online forum, Reddit, where user Hyder202r shared their excitement about receiving the version 4.5.1 update. This initial report has since been corroborated by a growing number of users across Europe, confirming that the rollout is officially underway. You can see the original discussion and early user reactions on the r/Aqara subreddit.
So, what exactly does this new firmware bring to your wall? Let's break down the key features.
Talk to Siri Directly from Your Wall
One of the most significant additions is the ability to use Siri voice commands directly through the Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus. Simply saying "Hey Siri" will wake the assistant, allowing you to control your compatible smart home devices, ask questions, set timers, and more without lifting a finger.
It's important to note that the processing isn't done on the hub itself. Instead, your requests are sent to a connected HomePod or HomePod mini for handling. While this ensures compatibility, some early users have reported that this extra step can make the response feel a little slower than interacting with a native HomePod.
Stream Music and Podcasts with AirPlay
Another headline feature is the new AirPlay support. Currently in its beta phase, this allows you to wirelessly stream your favorite music, podcasts, or any other audio from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to the hub's speakers. This effectively transforms your smart home control panel into a convenient kitchen or bedroom speaker.
Enhanced Home Communication and Security
The update isn't just about music and voice assistants. Aqara has also packed in practical communication tools. An intercom feature lets you send and receive voice messages between the Panel Hub S1 Plus and other Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. Furthermore, the hub can now act as a dedicated doorbell chime, not only for Aqara's own smart doorbells but also for select third-party models, ensuring you never miss a visitor.
For those concerned about privacy or simply wanting to customize their experience, all these new features—Siri, AirPlay Speaker, Intercom, and Doorbell Chime—can be individually toggled on or off within the Aqara Home app.
As with most firmware updates, the release of version 4.5.1 appears to be a staggered rollout. This means it might take a few days or weeks to hit every Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus device. For those looking to get in on the action, the hub is currently available for purchase, such as this listing on Amazon DE for €219.96.
As noted in a detailed report by HomeKit News, this update marks a major step in bridging Aqara's versatile hardware with Apple's intuitive software, making the Panel Hub S1 Plus an even more central and powerful piece of the smart home puzzle. While the update is currently focused on European users, a global rollout is expected in the near future.