Aqara doubles down on smart lighting at IFA 2026
New floor lamp, outdoor lighting and LED strips signal major push in home automation
1Aqara's IFA 2026 showcase
After impressing with smart home innovations at CES 2026, Aqara took the stage at IFA Berlin with a lighting-focused product lineup. The new series includes a 4.6-foot RGBIC floor lamp, outdoor LED solutions, and multi-zone controllable light strips. All products integrate seamlessly with Matter-compatible platforms, marking Aqara's strategic expansion in connected lighting solutions.
2Floor Lamp T1 specifications
Breaking from traditional designs, the Floor Lamp T1 features 18 individually addressable lighting zones. Like Govee's similar product, it projects color onto walls with 16 million color options. The 4.6-foot pole design suits spacious rooms while operating on the Thread protocol. Its minimalist base contains advanced circuitry for smooth color transitions and scheduling.
3Outdoor lighting solutions
Aqara introduced its first permanent outdoor lighting system featuring individually controllable LEDs. The weather-resistant products offer holiday-specific color effects through the companion app. RGBIC string lights provide both vibrant colors and adjustable white lighting for ambiance. All outdoor products carry IP65 waterproof certification, making them suitable for various climates.
4Next-gen LED strip
The LED Strip T2 incorporates new chip technology enabling 18 independent control zones per 3-meter section while maintaining 16 million color options. Compatible with Apple Home and Google Home ecosystems, it represents a significant upgrade from previous models. Aqara also announced second-generation downlights available in 4-inch and 6-inch sizes with RGB-CCT or RGB-only configurations.
5Connectivity protocols
All new Aqara lighting products support both Zigbee and Thread protocols, ensuring compatibility with major smart home platforms including Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa. The manufacturer continues supporting niche platforms like Home Assistant and Homey, demonstrating commitment to open smart home standards. This dual-protocol approach future-proofs installations against technology shifts.
6Market positioning
Aqara reported 17% growth in smart home device sales during early 2026. Expanding its lighting portfolio intensifies competition with Nanoleaf and Philips Hue. While strengthening its position in China and European markets, the company hasn't revealed pricing or exact launch dates. Industry analysts predict these products will capture mid-tier market segments.
7User experience
Aqara's new lighting series enables whole-home control through a single app. Multi-zone functionality allows creating distinct lighting scenarios for different room areas. Energy consumption is 30% more efficient than conventional LED lighting. The system supports automation based on time, motion, or other smart device triggers for hands-free operation.
8Future of smart lighting
Aqara's move underscores lighting's central role in smart home ecosystems. The global smart lighting market is projected to reach $48 billion by year-end 2026. Manufacturers' investments in Thread and Matter standards reflect an industry-wide push for interoperability. As homes become more connected, lighting emerges as both functional infrastructure and emotional interface for residents.
Original article: The Verge (theverge.com) — Aqara, IFA 2026'da akıllı aydınlatmaya odaklandı