Will a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Work w/ Apple HomeKit?

No, a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 will not work with Apple HomeKit. Alarm.com decided not to support HomeKit integration, and Qolsys has decided to use strictly Alarm.com as their automation platform. Unless Alarm.com or Qolsys change their mind, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 will never support Apple HomeKit.

Apple HomeKit refers to the Home feature that is available exclusively for iOS devices. One feature of this app is the ability to control an alarm system and automate devices based on alarm system state. The app can be conveniently accessed at any time so that a user can instantly control their alarm system. It even allows the system to be controlled through voice commands that are sent using Apple's Siri voice assistant.

However, there is no HomeKit support through Alarm.com Systems at this time. Since the IQ Panel 2 uses Alarm.com exclusively as its interactive service, the system will not work with Apple HomeKit. But if Alarm.com ever decides to provide support for HomeKit, then the system will work at that time. Additionally, Qolsys could decide to provide panel-specific support for Apple HomeKit.

For users who are insistent upon using Apple HomeKit, they will need to use a different alarm system. The best option is to choose a Honeywell Lyric Controller. This is an excellent all-in-one wireless system that is fully compatible with the HomeKit service. Honeywell has a particularly strong relationship with Apple, so users can feel confident in the level of support and service they will receive. Please note though that at this time HomeKit will only work with the Honeywell Lyric Controller, and not the other Honeywell Panels.

For users who are committed to using an IQ Panel 2, there are alternative options. The user can add Siri Shortcuts to their Alarm.com app. This allows them to use Siri to control certain aspects of their security system. Google Home and Amazon Alexa are also available options. Unlike Apple HomeKit, both Google Home and Amazon Alexa will readily support any Alarm.com system, including the IQ Panel 2. A user can also send voice commands to their system using any Google Home or Amazon Alexa device.

The IQ Panel 2 will need to be set up with Alarm.com in order to be used with Google Home, Amazon Alexa or to use Siri Shortcuts. This will require an alarm monitoring plan with cellular service. For Alarm Grid, these are the Gold and Platinum level plans. Please review our alarm monitoring page for more information about our monitoring plans.