HomeKit / Apple Home “Playback Started” Trigger for WiiM Pro Plus

[sawooa]

Hello,

I’d like to request an enhancement to the WiiM Pro Plus to improve integration with Apple Home and Shortcut automations.

Feature Request

Add a HomeKit-exposed event trigger that fires when the WiiM Pro Plus begins audio playback (similar in function to the existing 12V trigger output, but implemented as a HomeKit event instead of a physical output).

Technical Details

• The WiiM Pro Plus already supports Apple Home (HomeKit) as a network accessory.
• However, HomeKit currently exposes only basic controls (e.g., playback, volume) but does not surface any state-change events that can be used as automation triggers in Apple Home or Shortcuts.
• I’m requesting support for a “Playback Started” and optionally “Playback Stopped/Paused” event using HomeKit’s Event Notifications model.
• This could be achieved using:
  • A HomeKit Characteristic update notification on the Current Media State
  • Or a Custom HomeKit Characteristic if the standard one is too limited
  • Exposed under the existing Media System / Speaker service
• This would enable the WiiM Pro Plus to function like a virtual trigger, analogous to the 12V hardware trigger.

Why this is useful

This feature enables a number of powerful Home automations without relying on the 12V trigger output, which requires specific hardware that is:

• hard to source,
• expensive,
• and often non-compliant with electrical code when used with improvised switched outlets.

Example Automations Enabled

1. Automatically powering on my amplifier
   • When the WiiM Pro Plus starts playing, Apple Home could activate a HomeKit Wi-Fi smart plug → powering the amplifier.
   • This replaces the need for a 12V-triggered outlet or relay.
2. Media-related home ambience
   • When playback begins:
     • Turn on the TV to show album art or Now Playing info
     • Adjust ambient lighting
     • Activate a specific scene
3. Playback-based energy management
   • When playback ends or pauses:
     • Turn off the smart plug powering the amplifier
     • Power down related gear

If this feature were added, the WiiM Pro Plus could function as a true hub in an Apple-based audio system and unlock much more flexible automation scenarios.

Thank you for considering !

 

[R. Neal]

Doesn't necessarily help in your situation, but the Home Assistant integration does all of that.

 

[sawooa]

Worth considering then, but setting up home assistant is more work.

 

[Wiimer]

I automate these with Alexa routines.

Voice control = Stop all audio throughout my house > Turn on Amp Ultra > Play music > Turn on TV > Launch WiiM TV app