Introduction: A hands-free upgrade you can feel
Apple’s Home Key concept promises a future where unlocking doors is less about fiddling with devices and more about proximity. Aqara’s CES reveal, the U400 smart deadbolt, takes this idea and makes it practical for everyday homes. At its core, the U400 is the first lock to support Apple’s Home Key hands-free unlock, leveraging the U1 ultra-wideband (UWB) chip found in many iPhones and Apple Watches. In real-world terms, that means your door can unlock as you approach—without pulling out your device.
How it works: UWB, proximity, and security
The magic behind hands-free unlocking lies in Ultra-Wideband technology. UWB pins a highly accurate location between the phone and the lock, confirming you’re in range and that you’re the authorised user. Unlike Bluetooth alone, UWB offers precise directional data, reducing the chances of accidental unlocks. Aqara’s U400 integrates seamlessly with Apple’s Home Key ecosystem, so compatible devices can trigger automatic unlocking when your iPhone or Apple Watch is nearby.
Setup and compatibility
Setting up the U400 is meant to be straightforward for existing Aqara users and Apple households alike. The lock pairs to your smart home hub and links to your Apple account through the Home app. Once configured, you’ll enable Home Key on your iPhone or Apple Watch, and the device will manage trusted access with the security assurances you expect from iOS devices. While UWB is a hardware feature, Aqara has designed the configuration to minimize additional steps for most users, maintaining a familiar flow for smart lock fans.
Daily use: what to expect
In daily use, the U400’s hands-free unlock is most noticeable when your hands are full, your phone is in your pocket, or you simply don’t want to fumble with a keypad. Approach the door, and if your device is within the calibrated UWB range, the lock disengages and grants entry. This is especially valuable for households with kids, elderly relatives, or frequent deliveries, where smooth access improves convenience without compromising security.
Security considerations
Security remains a primary concern with any smart lock feature. The Home Key hands-free unlock relies on paired devices and a trusted proximity model, which reduces but does not eliminate risk. Aqara and Apple’s approach uses encryption and device authentication to prevent spoofing. It’s important to keep your iPhone, Apple Watch, and Home app updated to benefit from the latest security patches and to review which users have access when you’re away from home.
Comparison: where the U400 fits in the market
Compared with traditional smart locks and other smart entry solutions, the U400’s hands-free unlock is positioned as a premium convenience feature. Its use of UWB for precise proximity sets it apart from Bluetooth-only options, delivering a more reliable unlock experience. If you already rely on Aqara’s ecosystem and have a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch, the U400 may feel like a natural upgrade to your smart home’s entry system.
What this means for the future of home access
Apple’s Home Key with hands-free unlock illustrates a broader trend toward seamless, secure, device-centric access. As more manufacturers adopt UWB and integrate with Apple’s ecosystem, the days of entering codes or tapping to unlock could become a minority of use cases. The U400 demonstrates how a single device can bridge high-security standards with everyday ease—an outcome many smart-home enthusiasts have hoped for.
Conclusion: is the Aqara U400 worth it?
For those who want a hands-free entry experience that aligns with Apple’s growing Home Key framework, the Aqara U400 offers a compelling combination of UWB-backed security and practical convenience. It’s a clear sign that the smart lock landscape is moving toward more intuitive access control, provided you’re already invested in Aqara’s ecosystem and Apple’s hardware. If you’re ready to embrace a future where your door unlocks as you approach, the U400 is worth considering.
