Aqara HomeKit-Compatible Hub Listed on Amazon.com
The long anticipated HomeKit compatible Aqara hub, has now been listed on amazon.com, although at the time of writing, it is currently listed as ‘temporarily out of stock’. This is for the US version of the hub, but a European version is slated for release for around October. If you haven’t been paying attention, this will be the first device from the Xiaomi ecosystem to come with HomeKit compatibility, and as such, will allow other Aqara branded smart devices to connect to HomeKit via the aforementioned hub.
While the current price of US$60.99 is around average (or only slightly higher) for some hubs, this is around double the price of currently available Xioami or Mijia branded hubs. This, in large part, must be connected to the expense of having a HomeKit-certified device, although it will be interesting to see the pricing on other stores, most notably AliExpress, who have a history of selling very cheaply.
Other information currently gleaned from the listing includes the following;
- NOTE: Requires a secured 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network connection, Range: 2~6M, plus the free Apple Home app for iPhone (iOS 10.3 or later).
- Smart Home Control Center, Connect up to 32 Aqara accessories (sold separately), control accessories automatically and make your home smart. Aqara accessories include Smart Plug, Wireless Mini Switch, Motion Sensor, Door and Window Sensor, Water Leak Sensor, Temperature and Humidity Sensor.
- Remote Control, Control the Aqara Hub anywhere via Home app. Free Home app (available on the App Store). To control this HomeKit-enabled accessory, iOS 10.3 or later is recommended. Controlling this HomeKit-enabled accessory automatically and away from home requires an Apple TV with tvOS 10.2 or later or an iPad with iOS 10.3 or later set up as a home hub.
- You can use Apple Home app to control the Hub and its connected accessories. Aqara accessories can communicate with other HomeKit-enabled accessories (compatible brand: Philips Hue, Honeywell, Lutron and so on) to provide you a smarter home.
- 2-year warranty; 24/7 Live Chat on our website aqara.com; Email Support: support@aqara.com
Along with the new hub, Amazon have listings for most of the Aqara branded smart home devices that will work with the Aqara hub, including the Smart plug, Motion sensor and door/window sensor, all of which are already available in other online stores.
While the question over whether these devices are as good, in terms of build quality, as already established equivalent products by the likes of Eve, Koogeek and Fibaro etc. it would seem that with these prices easily undercutting its competitors significantly – even via domestic stores like Amazon – these could be bestsellers in no time for newcomers to the HomeKit world who prefer a smaller budget.
Awesome! I cannot wait for this hub to come out for EU. I have bunch of wall switches and sensors and the Homekit thing is something I am missing. Great news 🙂
Yes, it’s great news. The European one is rumoured to come out a little later though, so The US version will come out first.
This is good news. Can’t wait to see if it will work with all the Xioami/Mijia branded stuff.
Hi Eric, from what I’ve read so far via the Aqara Twitter page, it’s unlikely that the Xiaomi/Mijia stuff will work with the forthcoming hub. Additionally, they’ve even stated that current Aqara products won’t work with the new hub, only the forthcoming newer versions of the current Aqara sensors will work, which is not great. However, I have some Aqara water leak sensors and an Aqara Remote switch and the model numbers on these are exactly the same as the model numbers of the products listed as working with the new hub on the website, so it all seems very confusing at the moment. We’ll be updating the site as and when we get more news.
That will be a bummer but I Guess we wait and see
I hope that’s not the case, I have a bunch of wall switches ready to go into the new house.
Hopefully we will be able to only switch out the hub.
I’m hoping that’s the case too. I’ve been in contact with Aqara, as previously they have stated on two separate occasions that their current Aqara switches and sensors WILL work with the new hub (once via Twitter and once via Facebook). However, they’ve said the opposite since that time with other people asking similar questions. I’m awaiting further clarification from them, as they said they would give me a definitive answer, once I pointed out the contrasting/contradictory answers they’ve been giving out. Also bear in mind, the new hub will only be suitable for US plugs, with a European version following shortly after.
It makes sense to me, that the info you got is correct. If you look at their website, it really looks like the only thing missing is the “Smart hub” and you can already buy all the other stuff.
Yeah, I am aware of the different versions, but I just might buy the US one and use an adapter, since I am not that great at waiting for things. 🙂
I’ve already pre-ordered it on Amazon, so hopefully it won’t be a waste of money – and yes, I’m like you, I’m not great at waiting!
Good news! Aqara have confirmed that currently available Aqara products will work with the new Hub. This doesn’t mean all Aqara products will work with HomeKit, but any products listed on their website listed as working with HomeKit, including the ones you already own, will work with the new Hub.
F yeah! Thanks, man!
Looking forward to hearing about the hub when you get it.