Apple’s Hands-Free Home Key Tested: A Major Upgrade
▼ Summary
– The Aqara U400 is a new smart deadbolt lock announced at CES, priced at $269.99, and is the first lock to support Apple’s Home Key hands-free unlocking via UWB technology.
– This UWB unlocking uses the U1 chip in compatible Apple devices to automatically unlock the door as the user approaches, requiring no physical interaction like codes, fingerprints, or tapping a phone.
– Apple’s UWB implementation, which uses Bluetooth and UWB for a direct connection, proved reliable in testing, unlike previous hands-free systems that relied on apps and were often unreliable.
– The U400 is also Aliro-ready, meaning it will work with the upcoming universal smart lock standard designed to bring UWB and NFC unlocking to Android devices and other platforms.
– While the lock is larger and has some design drawbacks, its reliable hands-free unlocking offers a seamless and secure user experience, representing a significant advancement for smart locks.
The Aqara U400 Smart Lock represents a significant leap forward in home access technology, introducing the first implementation of Apple’s hands-free Home Key using ultra-wideband (UWB) chips. This new feature allows compatible iPhones and Apple Watches to automatically unlock your door as you approach, eliminating the need to fumble for keys, enter a code, or even pull out your device. After testing the lock at home, it’s clear this technology provides a genuinely faster and more convenient entry, especially when your hands are occupied with groceries, you’re wearing gloves, or you’re simply in a rush.
While the concept of hands-free unlocking isn’t new, existing systems from other brands often rely on a combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and geofencing, typically requiring an app to be active. These methods can be frustratingly unreliable. Apple’s implementation, however, uses Bluetooth and UWB to create a direct, secure connection between the lock and your phone, with no app needed. In testing, the system worked flawlessly nearly every time, unlocking the door precisely as I reached for the handle. The only minor delay occurred when my phone was buried under a stack of mail, but it still unlocked moments later.
This UWB-powered feature, called Unlock on Approach, is part of Apple’s broader Home Key system. It works with iPhone 11 and later models (excluding iPhone SE 2nd/3rd gen and iPhone 16e) running iOS 18.5+, and Apple Watch Series 6 and later (excluding Apple Watch SE) with watchOS 11.5+. UWB technology is precise enough to gauge your location and direction, ensuring the lock won’t engage if you’re inside the house or merely walking past the door on the sidewalk.
The Aqara U400 is more than just its headline feature. It’s a full-replacement deadbolt that also offers multiple other access methods: a touchscreen keypad for codes, a fingerprint reader, and a traditional physical key. As a Matter-over-Thread device, it integrates seamlessly into any compatible smart home ecosystem, allowing for voice control and automation through platforms like Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. It also connects via Bluetooth to Aqara’s own app for additional management.
Notably, the U400 is ready for the new universal smart lock standard called Aliro. Developed by a consortium including Apple, Samsung, Google, and major lock makers, Aliro aims to bring UWB and NFC unlocking to a wider range of devices, including Android phones and watches. This future-proofing is a key advantage.
Installation is comparable to other smart locks, though the U400 is noticeably larger to house the additional UWB antenna and radio. It features a built-in gyroscope for detecting whether the door is open or closed, enabling an auto-lock function. Power comes from a single rechargeable 4,880mAh battery, rated for about six months of use, a shorter lifespan than some Thread locks, which is likely due to the power demands of UWB.
Setting up the lock with Apple Home was straightforward. After scanning the Matter code, the Home app prompted the setup of Home Key and the essential “Express Mode,” which bypasses Face ID or Touch ID authentication for seamless unlocking. It’s important to activate Express Mode and Unlock on Approach individually on each household member’s device for the hands-free feature to work for everyone.
The lock’s keypad is large and responsive, making code entry easy. The fingerprint reader serves as a reliable backup method. While the U400’s design is more utilitarian than elegant, and its large plastic rear housing may not win design awards, its performance is what truly stands out.
The arrival of the Aqara U400 fulfills the long-promised potential of UWB for smart locks: a secure, reliable, and truly hands-free entry experience. Its support for the emerging Aliro standard hints at a more interoperable future. For those seeking the ultimate in convenient keyless entry, this lock delivers a compelling and practical upgrade.
(Source: The Verge)
