In 2025, we can stop pressing, tapping, and flailing our way through the front door.
The year 2024 saw smart lock companies pushing the boundaries of technology, rolling out innovative ways to make entering your home more convenient than ever. From iPhone-tapping Home Key options by Aqara to palm-scanning locks from Philips, and even Face ID-style recognition from Lockly, the future of home security already felt pretty advanced. But here’s the real question: do these locks feel like magic?
Imagine this: the same effortless experience as your car door unlocking when you simply pull the handle—no fumbling for keys, no pressing buttons. That’s the kind of magic we’re talking about. Smart home locks that recognize your presence and unlock automatically, without requiring you to pause, interact, or even think about it. The good news? That’s precisely where the smart lock industry is heading, as demonstrated at CES 2025.
The Evolution Toward True Touchless Entry
At CES 2025, smart lock makers showcased their latest innovations, including models with touchless passive entry support. This cutting-edge technology eliminates the need for extra steps like pulling out an RFID fob or tapping your Apple Watch against a pad. Let’s be honest: those methods already feel a little outdated.
Leading the charge is Schlage with its new Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt. This advanced lock is equipped with an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip that detects the motion and trajectory of your paired smartphone. In simpler terms, it knows when you’re approaching and unlocks the door for you—no buttons, no delays, just seamless entry.
Schlage isn’t alone in this race. U-tec’s Ultraloq Bolt Mission was the first smart lock to announce UWB support last year. However, at the time, it lacked compatibility with the Aliro smart access standard supported by tech giants like Google, Apple, and Samsung. At CES 2025, U-tec announced an updated version of the Ultraloq Bolt Mission, set to launch in Q1 2025 with a $399 price tag and full support for Apple Home hands-free unlocking via Aliro.
Meanwhile, Lockly Secure Pro, another strong contender, promises to deliver Apple’s touchless unlocking feature by Q4 of this year. With a price of $379.99, it’s shaping up to be a stylish and functional choice. Clearly, the era of UWB-powered smart locks is upon us, with a range of options set to hit the market soon.
A World of Options: Beyond UWB
Not every company is jumping on the UWB bandwagon. Some are exploring other advanced technologies, each with its own unique appeal. Take TP-Link’s Tapo PalmKey and TCL’s Smart Lock D1 Pro, for example. These locks use AI-powered palm scanners to read vein patterns in your hand, offering an innovative and secure way to unlock your door. It’s a feature that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie.
For those prioritizing aesthetics, there’s the Lockly Styla, a sleek and elegant smart lock that proves not all advancements have to be about groundbreaking tech—sometimes, it’s about looking good while doing the basics.
And then there’s SwitchBot’s Lock Ultra, a Swiss Army knife of smart locks with an impressive 16 different methods to unlock your door. From voice commands to manual keys, this lock offers something for everyone who wants versatility over futuristic magic.
The Rise of Feature-Packed Smart Locks
Some brands are going all out, adding unique features that go beyond unlocking. Take the Lockly Vision Prestige and the TCL Smart Lock Ultra, for instance. These locks incorporate digital peepholes into their deadbolts, letting you check who’s at the door without even opening it. It’s a small but significant step toward a more secure and connected home.
The Missing Magic of Effortless Living
While the innovations showcased at CES are undeniably exciting, what’s still missing in many smart locks is that “new car” feeling—a transformative sense of ease and effortlessness. In the automotive world, features like keyless entry and push-to-start systems have become so seamless they’re second nature. The smart lock industry has yet to fully achieve this level of intuitive design.
UWB technology holds the potential to bring this magic to our front doors, but execution will be key. Can these locks consistently and securely deliver hands-free entry without hiccups? Only time will tell. What’s clear, though, is that the opportunity is here, and the stakes are high.
The Future of Smart Locks Is Bright
As 2025 unfolds, we’re on the brink of a new era in home security. Touchless entry, powered by technologies like UWB and advanced biometrics, is no longer a distant dream—it’s becoming a reality. Whether you’re drawn to the futuristic appeal of UWB, the sci-fi charm of palm scanning, or the versatility of all-in-one locks, there’s something for everyone in the next generation of smart locks.
The question isn’t whether smart locks are the future. It’s whether they’ll make us feel like we’re living in the future. Here’s hoping 2025 delivers the magic we’ve been waiting for.
