An Apple of Home Security's Eye: The Aqara U100 Smart Lock Revolution

Aqara U100 smart lock with Apple Home Key. The evolution of smart home device can be traced from smart door lock and button to smart lock with advanced voice technology. As a new generation of the smart door lock, the Aqara U100 lock is well integrated with Apple Home Key function, which takes the lead on Smart Home security system. Just a few weeks ago, the Aqara U100 lock comes to the US, while we tear down this smart lock to find out why the U100, available on Amazon for under $160, has evolved to the front door of my home and millions of people’s home.

Key Features that Stand Out

Apple fans this time will be happy with their first Apple Home Key smart lock finally released by Aqara in the US, with the company’s long-time experience in the smart home field. But what does Aqara’s U100 offer amongst so many others?

Installation Ease: A Hassle-Free Start

On the other hand, unlike the horror stories people have around installing smart devices around their homes, it took this Aqara U100 barely 15 minutes and no instruction manual (as I did not get one when reviewing this unit) to be up and running on my front door. And this is just the start of it.

A Cornucopia of Unlocking Options

Beyond its excellent functionality as a lock, the U100 is, and looks like, a multi-purpose security device; it is something for all, not just a few. From the 6-10 digit keypad for passcodes, including one-time codes for visitors to the fingerprint reader’s 98.6 per cent accuracy, every feature is about the user. The crowning glory is the Apple Home Key integration, ensuring iPhone and Apple Watch users enjoy a ‘level of convenience and comfort that’s unmatched’. Finally, there are NFC tags and mechanical keys in case you have extra friends you need to let in.

The Experience: Living with the Aqara U100

Zooming around in the Aqara mobile app glosses over a bit of a learning curve, but the return on that time spent is significant. The ability to put access permissions on different authorities, log entries and manage alerts transforms a home security accessory into a portal to home security, period. Of course, according to Murphy's Law, I have encountered my occasional share of bodges: beta features that malfunction, lock status indicators that inexplicably misfire. Each of these instances is countered by software updates that refine and tweak the app until everything works smoothly and properly. From my perspective, my home security is in good hands.

When Compared...

Prior to the Aqara U100, I definitely found myself stuck between the simplicity of the Level Lock+ and the slick appeal of the Yale Assure Lock SL. It is, however, the U100’s advanced unlocking features and Apple Home Key integration that swung the tide in its favour. For anyone who has had a taste of unlocking their door via a quick fingerprint scan or accelerated facial recognition, or who has been able to open their locks with a simple tap of their Apple Watch – like the author – it’s hard to imagine going back. With that said, it is with reluctance that the U100 remains undisputed master of its class.

A Deeper Dive into Apple's Influence

Finally, as we experienced the Aqara U100 smart lock, we realised how important Apple’s ecosystem is to the overall experience. Yes, Apple Home Key does make using a smart lock a little bit more convenient. But moreover, it demonstrates the power of ushering smart home gadgets into Apple’s walled garden, and the added benefit that comes with putting a smart home device in the world’s most secure and user-friendly environment. Apple and Aqara together significantly enhance the functionality of this product, but more importantly, they remind us that the most important aspect of a smart home today is the ecosystem itself.

In Conclusion: Why the Aqara U100 is My Go-To Smart Lock

This device has achieved the ultimate of a smart lock by being fully compatible with Apple Home Key and features a good mix of features to unlock your door. In the golden era of smart homes, security and convenience is the ultimate expectation of a smart lock. The U100 home key does not just meet, but supercede, this expectation. This is a must have for anyone building their smart home. It is available to purchase from $160.

About Apple

In this essay, Apple is more than just a brand – it’s an invitation to a whole world of smart home experiences that are as seamless, safe and user-friendly as possible – a step forward for smart device integration within its ecosystem. In the wake of Home Key, it is clearer than ever that Apple will continue to play a significant role in how users experience and build upon smart home experiences in the future.