TL;DR
Aqara introduced the Smart Lock U400 at CES with Apple Wallet Home key support and ultra-wideband (UWB) location tracking to unlock doors automatically as an authorized iPhone or Apple Watch wearer approaches. The battery-powered, Thread-based deadbolt lists for $270 in the U.S. and supports multiple entry methods including fingerprint, passcode, physical key and Siri control.
What happened
At CES Aqara unveiled the U400 smart deadbolt that pairs with the Home app to add a Home key to Apple Wallet and uses UWB to perform hands-free unlocking when an authorized iPhone or Apple Watch approaches from outside. Aqara says the lock relies on UWB Time of Flight and Angle of Arrival calculations to determine trajectory and reduce accidental unlocks compared with simple Bluetooth proximity. The U400 also supports Siri commands and offers alternative access via a physical key, fingerprint reader, and passcodes that can be single-use or recurring for visitors. The device is Thread-based, so installation requires a Thread-capable hub such as an Apple TV 4K, second-generation HomePod, HomePod Mini, or compatible third-party Border Router. The lock runs on batteries with an option to power it temporarily from an external power bank, and Aqara priced it at $270 in the U.S., available today through Amazon and select Apple stores abroad.
Why it matters
- UWB-based unlocking aims to provide more precise, hands-free access than traditional Bluetooth proximity methods.
- Integration with Apple Wallet’s Home key and Siri tightens the lock’s tie to Apple’s ecosystem for iPhone and Apple Watch users.
- Thread support enables low-latency local connectivity but requires a compatible hub already present in the home.
- Multiple entry methods (fingerprint, passcode, physical key) offer redundancy if UWB-capable devices are unavailable.
Key facts
- Aqara Smart Lock U400 announced at CES.
- Uses ultra-wideband (UWB) with Time of Flight (ToF) and Angle of Arrival (AoA) for location tracking.
- Pairs with the Home app to automatically add a Home key to Apple Wallet.
- Requires iPhone 11 or later running iOS 18.5 or later, or Apple Watch Series 6 and later.
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen) and iPhone 16e are not compatible due to lacking a UWB chip.
- Lock is Thread-based and needs a Thread-compatible hub (Apple TV 4K, 2nd-gen HomePod, HomePod Mini, or third-party Thread Border routers).
- Offers fingerprint sensor, passcodes (recurring or one-time), and a physical key for alternative access.
- Battery-powered with the option to use an external power bank for emergency access.
- Priced at $270 in the U.S.; available on Amazon (U.S. and Canada) and in Apple stores in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore; U.S. Apple Store availability expected later this month.
What to watch next
- Availability in U.S. Apple Store locations later this month (confirmed in the source).
- Real-world reliability and whether UWB consistently prevents accidental unlocks when users are inside or merely passing by (not confirmed in the source).
- Expansion of retail availability and regional rollouts beyond the initial Amazon and select Apple Store listings (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Ultra-wideband (UWB): A short-range wireless protocol that uses precise distance and directional measurements for location-aware features.
- Thread: A low-power, IP-based mesh networking protocol designed for connected home devices to communicate locally.
- Home key (Apple Wallet): A digital key stored in Apple Wallet that can be used to unlock compatible smart locks or access points from an iPhone or Apple Watch.
- Time of Flight (ToF): A technique that measures the time a signal takes to travel between devices to estimate distance.
- Angle of Arrival (AoA): A method for determining the direction of a signal source by measuring the angle at which the signal reaches a receiver.
Reader FAQ
Does the U400 work with Apple Wallet?
Yes. Pairing the lock with the Home app automatically adds a Home key to Apple Wallet for supported iPhones and Apple Watches.
What devices are compatible?
The lock requires an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 18.5 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later; certain models like iPhone SE (2nd/3rd gen) and iPhone 16e are not compatible.
Do I need a hub to use the lock?
Yes. The U400 uses Thread and requires a Thread-compatible hub such as Apple TV 4K, second-generation HomePod, HomePod Mini, or a supported third-party Border Router.
How much does the lock cost and where can I buy it?
The U400 is priced at $270 in the U.S. and is available on Amazon in the U.S. and Canada and from Apple stores in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore; U.S. Apple Store availability is expected later this month.
I think Apple should take this radical approach to the new Siri Ben Lovejoy Jan 5 2026 HOMEKIT APPLE WALLET AQARA Aqara Smart Lock U400 launches with Apple Wallet support…
Sources
- Aqara Smart Lock U400 launches with Apple Wallet support for fully automatic unlocking
- CES 2026: Aqara Launches U400 Smart Lock With …
- Aqara Smart Lock U400 debuts at CES 2026
- Aqara debuts the Smart Lock U400 with UWB, enabling …
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