TL;DR
Aqara has announced the FP300 Presence Multi-Sensor, which combines mmWave presence detection with a PIR motion sensor and built-in light, temperature, and humidity sensing. The device supports Thread and Matter, enabling native integration with Apple HomeKit and room-aware automations without requiring a separate Aqara bridge.
What happened
Aqara introduced the FP300 Presence Multi-Sensor as a privacy-focused option for HomeKit users who want more reliable occupancy-based automations without cameras. The unit pairs traditional PIR motion detection for quick wake-ups with mmWave presence sensing that can detect people who are sitting still. It also reports ambient light, temperature, and humidity to HomeKit, allowing a single accessory to inform lighting, HVAC, and fan automations. The FP300 communicates over Thread and supports Matter, so it can appear in the Home app as a native accessory when a Thread border router (for example, a modern Apple TV or HomePod) is present. The company ships mounting hardware for walls, corners, or ceilings, and the sensor is battery powered with a claimed multi-year life. The author of the source has not yet tested the device in person.
Why it matters
- Presence detection (mmWave) can maintain automations when people are still, avoiding premature turn-offs that simple PIR sensors can cause.
- Thread provides low-latency, low-power connectivity that can improve responsiveness and reliability compared with Wi‑Fi-only sensors.
- Matter support lets the sensor appear as a native accessory in the Home app without an extra vendor bridge, simplifying setup and automation use.
- Built-in environmental sensors let a single device trigger multiple types of automations (lighting, climate, ventilation) while avoiding cameras for privacy-conscious homes.
Key facts
- Combines mmWave presence sensing with a traditional PIR motion sensor.
- Includes ambient light, temperature, and humidity measurements.
- Supports Thread networking and the Matter interoperability standard.
- Targets native Apple HomeKit integration; appears in the Home app as a Matter accessory when a Thread border router is available.
- Battery-powered design with a stated multi-year life expectancy.
- Mounting bracket included for walls, corners, or ceilings.
- Advertised compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and more.
- Author of the source article has not yet tested the FP300 in real-world use.
- Available for purchase on Amazon (per the source).
What to watch next
- Real-world presence detection accuracy and how well mmWave + PIR work together — not confirmed in the source.
- Actual battery life under typical usage scenarios — not confirmed in the source.
- Latency and reliability of Thread + Matter integration in mixed smart-home environments — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- mmWave: A radar-based sensing method using millimeter-wave radio frequencies to detect motion and presence, including small or stationary movements.
- PIR sensor: Passive infrared sensor that detects changes in heat signature, commonly used for basic motion detection.
- Thread: A low-power, IP-based mesh networking protocol designed for smart-home devices to improve range, latency, and reliability.
- Matter: An industry standard for smart-home device interoperability that allows accessories to work across ecosystems and appear natively in supporting platforms.
Reader FAQ
Does the FP300 require a hub or bridge to work with HomeKit?
It supports Matter over Thread and can appear as a native Home app accessory; a Thread border router (such as a modern Apple TV or HomePod) is required for Thread connectivity.
Does the FP300 use a camera or record audio?
No. The sensor uses mmWave and PIR presence sensing and does not rely on cameras or audio for detection.
How long does the battery last?
The source states the design targets multi-year battery life but does not provide specific runtime figures.
Has the FP300 been independently tested in the article?
The author notes they have not yet tested the FP300.
Got a new Mac? Here are five apps I can’t live without Marcus Mendes Dec 25 2025 HOMEKIT WEEKLY HomeKit Weekly: Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 brings Thread and motion automations…
Sources
- HomeKit Weekly: Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 brings Thread and motion automations to your smart home
- Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300: 5-in-1 Detection
- Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 – Help Center
- Aqara Presence Sensor FP2, mmWave Radar Wired Smart …
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