Kwikset’s New Smart Locks: A Smarter, More Open Front Door Future
▼ Summary
– Kwikset is launching new smart products including an NFC-enabled Halo Select Plus lock, a budget-friendly Aura Reach deadbolt, and a smart garage door opener this fall.
– The Halo Select Plus will support tap-to-unlock via NFC, likely compatible with Apple Home Key, marking Kwikset’s first lock with this feature.
– Kwikset plans to adopt the upcoming Aliro standard for universal tap-to-unlock across devices, though it won’t be included in this year’s models.
– The company is expanding Matter support across its product lines, emphasizing local connectivity and improved battery life via Matter-over-Thread.
– Kwikset’s sister brand Baldwin will integrate Matter through a partnership with Level, offering high-end smart locks with concealed electronics.
Kwikset is expanding its smart lock lineup with a focus on open standards and new technologies, signaling a shift toward greater interoperability and user convenience in home security. The company recently announced several upcoming products, including an NFC-enabled smart lock, a more affordable Matter-over-Thread deadbolt, and a smart garage door opener, all designed to work seamlessly across various platforms and devices.
The Halo Select Plus will debut later this year as an enhanced version of Kwikset’s existing Halo Select model. This new lock incorporates NFC tap-to-unlock technology, allowing users to open their doors with a simple tap from a compatible smartphone or smartwatch. While full compatibility details are still under wraps, it is widely anticipated that the lock will support Apple’s Home Key feature, making it one of the few residential smart locks to offer this functionality without requiring a proprietary app.
Apple, along with Google and Samsung, is part of the Aliro Alliance, which is developing an open standard for smart lock communication. This initiative aims to enable direct communication between phones and locks using Bluetooth, NFC, and ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies, eliminating the need for intermediary apps. Although Aliro’s official specification has not yet been released, Kwikset has expressed plans to integrate the standard in future products.
In addition to the Halo Select Plus, Kwikset is introducing the Aura Reach, a more budget-friendly smart lock that supports Matter-over-Thread. This model includes a backlit keypad with a proximity sensor that lights up as you approach, enhancing usability in low-light conditions. Unlike the Halo series, the Aura Reach does not include built-in Wi-Fi or a touchscreen, positioning it as a mid-range option for consumers seeking Matter compatibility without premium features.
Pricing for the new models has not been officially disclosed, but industry observers expect the Halo Select Plus to retail for around $300, while the Aura Reach may be priced below $200. Kwikset’s commitment to Matter reflects a broader industry trend toward standardized connectivity, which offers improved reliability, local control, and extended battery life compared to Wi-Fi-dependent devices.
Kwikset’s sister brand, Baldwin, is also embracing Matter through a collaboration with Level Locks. Several Baldwin deadbolts will soon incorporate Level Bolt technology, allowing them to support Bluetooth and Matter-over-Thread connectivity. These locks will maintain Baldwin’s signature high-end aesthetic while adding smart features like auto-unlock and remote control via a dedicated app.
Notably, neither Kwikset nor Baldwin’s new offerings include biometric features such as fingerprint or facial recognition. Instead, the companies are focusing on smartphone and wearable-based authentication, with a particular emphasis on passive unlocking technologies like UWB. This approach aligns with the industry’s move toward “unlock-in-stride” capabilities, where doors open automatically as users approach, without any manual interaction.
Beyond door locks, Kwikset is entering the garage door opener market with the Flex model, developed in partnership with Amarr Garage Doors. The Flex features adjustable LED lighting, support for CarPlay and Android Auto, and optional battery backup. It integrates with the Kwikset app for unified control of all entry points and will be available through professional installers in the U.S. and Canada.
Kwikset is not alone in its push toward open standards. Competitors like Yale and Schlage are also integrating Matter and Aliro into their products, promising a future where smart locks are no longer tied to specific ecosystems or brands. This collective effort is expected to simplify the purchasing process for consumers and ensure broader compatibility across devices and platforms.
The real breakthrough in smart lock technology will come when your front door no longer cares what kind of phone you carry, and with these latest developments, that future seems closer than ever.
(Source: The Verge)
