Aqara debuts the Smart Lock U400 with UWB, enabling hands-free entry via smartphone detection
CES 2026Security is again a focus at CES 2026, with Aqara introducing its Smart Lock U400. It brings a unique feature set, headlined by new Ultra-Wideband (UWB) capabilities. The technology allows hands-free authentication for smartphone or smartwatch owners. While Apple products are a focus at launch, the deadbolt lock is also Aliro-ready for enhanced compatibility.
As convenient as smart locks can be, it’s often quicker and more reliable to use a mechanical key. The U400 addresses that shortcoming by scanning for authorized devices and automatically unlocking. UWB promises precise detection and resistance to relay attacks, which is where Bluetooth signals can fall short.
When the new Aqara smart home device ships, it will work with Home Key in Apple Wallet. Users can also gain entry to residences without taking out their iPhones or flashing an Apple Watch. The deadbolt lock recognizes digital keys only when a homeowner is approaching, avoiding unintended activation. Optionally, using a gyroscope, it relocks after family members arrive safely home.
Not just a smart lock for an Apple home
With Matter Over Thread, the U400 communicates with a growing collection of products. Ecosystems like Alexa, Google Home, and Home Assistant are all supported. Samsung Wallet integration should arrive in Q1 2026, providing a hands-free experience for Galaxy smartphone fans.
For other methods of entry, the security device unlocks through fingerprints, NFC, apps, or voice commands. Aqara estimates up to 6 months of action on a single charge, powered by a 4880 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery. When all else fails, it accepts a physical key as a last resort.
Following its CES 2026 debut, the $269.99 UWB smart lock is already for sale at the Aqara website and Amazon. iPhone loyalists can expect the Apple Store to stock the device shortly.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
Source(s)
Aqara, Press release via Aqara
Aqara Smart Lock U400
The Aqara Smart Lock U400 revolutionizes home access with cutting-edge UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology, delivering high-precision location tracking for the intuitive, hands-free unlocking experience. One of the first UWB-enabled smart locks released to the market, the U400 is Aliro-ready, offering a more secure and convenient entry for all smart home users, regardless of user device or operating system. Besides UWB-enabled hands-free unlocking, this new deadbolt lock also features easy access via NFC (including tap-to-unlock with home key in Apple Wallet), fingerprint recognition, personal passcodes, mobile apps, virtual assistants, and traditional mechanical keys for emergency access. Built on the Thread protocol and Matter-certified, the U400 ensures broad compatibility with other smart devices across major ecosystems, enabling the holistic connected home experience.
Key Features
-The Next-Gen Hands-Free Experience with UWB: UWB is a short-range, low-power technology that transmits data using extremely short pulses over a wide frequency band, specifically designed for precise, secure, and real-time measurements of location, distance, and direction. It enables the U400 lock to provide more reliable and secure hands-free unlocking, activating when an authorized, UWB-enabled device approaches the door—no waiting, and no PIN code, fingerprint, or physical interaction needed. Furthermore, the U400 lock is designed to support the industry-unifying Aliro protocol1, ensuring the next-gen experience is ready for all user devices—such as smartphones and wearables—regardless of manufacturers and operating systems.
-Pinpoint accuracy for well-timed access: UWB offers centimeter-level accuracy by measuring the time-of-flight (ToF) of signals. This ensures the U400 unlocks precisely when the authorized user arrives at the door, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and reducing waiting times. -Spatial awareness to prevent unintentional opening: Using ToF and AoA (angle-of-arrival), UWB measures both distance and direction, allowing the U400 lock to better understand user intentions. The U400 can distinguish user position (inside or outside a door), so it never unlocks for users inside. More importantly, it only opens when an authorized user approaches the door, preventing unintentional unlocks when one is passing by, tending the garden, or stopping in the driveway to chat with a neighbor.
-Less vulnerable to security threats: Technologies like Bluetooth rely on signal strength to determine distance, making them vulnerable to relay attacks, which spoof the credential system into thinking a device is closer than it is by amplifying signals. UWB not only uses ToF and AoA for precise positioning, but also leverages security enhancements such as Scrambled Timestamp Sequences (STS)—offered by the underlying IEEE 802.15.4z standard—for robust protection against unauthorized access.
-Hands-free Unlock with Home Key in Apple Wallet: The U400 lock seamlessly integrates with home key in Apple Wallet, allowing customer to use their iPhone or Apple Watch as digital keys for home access on approach2. Unlock your door simply by approaching with an iPhone in your bag or pocket, or an Apple Watch on your wrist. All residents of your household receive the home key automatically and you can use the Apple Home app to share access with other people.
-Versatile Unlocking Methods for Every User: Apart from hands-free unlocking, the U400 offers a variety of access options to accommodate different preferences: fingerprints, personal passcodes (one-time and recurring), NFC3, and mobile app unlocking. For added convenience, they can unlock using voice commands through Siri or Alexa when their hands are occupied in the kitchen. In case of emergencies, the traditional mechanical keys offer a reliable backup option.
-Seamless Smart Home Integration: Built upon the Thread protocol, the U400 is natively Matter-enabled and works seamlessly with the widest range of connected devices via Matter-enabled platforms such as Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Home Assistant, and SmartThings (with Samsung Wallet support coming in Q1 2026), allowing for easy integration into smart home scenes, routines, and automation4. With Matter-over-Thread support, users can connect this lock to any Matter platform with a Thread Border Router and a proper Matter controller of the platform, without requiring investment in a dedicated Aqara hub.
-Auto-Lock for Enhanced Security: Thanks to its built-in gyroscope, the U400 can automatically lock the door after each use—without the need for an extra sensor. This eliminates the chance of accidental leave-outs. For flexibility, the auto-lock function can be toggled using the lock’s Action Button in the inner panel, allowing for a temporary deactivation for occasions like moving furniture or hosting guests.
-Durable Design and Eco-friendly Battery: Designed for durable use in the outdoors, the U400 is IP65-rated and withstands dust, splashes, and heavy rain, delivering a reliable experience even in demanding environments. In addition, its 4880 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery provides up to 6 months of use per charge5, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
- An OTA firmware update may be required to support Aliro.
- Controlling the U400 lock with Apple Home requires a Thread-enabled Apple home hub (e.g., Apple TV 4K, HomePod 2nd generation, HomePod mini), or a compatible third-party Thread Border Router. You can also pair the U400 to a Thread-enabled iPhone running iOS 18 or later. Unlock on approach is available with iPhone 11 and later, excluding iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) and iPhone 16e, running iOS 18.5 or later, and Apple Watch Series 6 and later, excluding Apple Watch SE, running watchOS 11.5 or later. Tap to unlock is available for iPhone XS and later running iOS 17.1 or later, and Apple Watch Series 4 and later running watchOS 10.1 or later.
- Aqara NFC cards are sold separately.
- To use the U400 lock with a particular Matter-enabled platform, a Thread Border Router and a Matter Controller of the platform are required.
- The actual battery life may vary depending on the usage.
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