The smart home landscape in 2024 experienced a period of recalibration. The initial enthusiasm surrounding Matter, a new interoperability standard designed to simplify smart home ecosystems, subsided as companies grappled with the reality of its gradual implementation. This led to a year focused on consolidation and software advancements, particularly in generative AI, rather than new hardware. However, one category defied this trend: smart door locks.
Smart locks emerged as a vibrant sector in 2024, showcasing a remarkable surge in innovation. This period witnessed a flurry of new products and features, from Lockly’s facial recognition lock and Philips’ palm print lock to ADT’s partnership with Google Nest and Yale for a facial recognition-based unlocking and security system. Established players like Kwikset, Yale, Level, and TP-Link introduced new locks, often with Matter compatibility, and even budget-friendly options from reputable brands became available. This activity solidified smart locks as a leading category in the smart home sector, driven by their straightforward installation, diverse price points, ease of use, and platform-agnostic functionality.
The accessibility and practicality of smart locks contributed significantly to their burgeoning popularity. Unlike other smart home components, which can be complex to configure, smart locks offer a simple and effective way to control home access remotely. The ability to unlock doors from anywhere via a smartphone resonates with consumers seeking enhanced security and convenience. Looking ahead to 2025, the future of smart locks appears even brighter, fueled by anticipated advancements in keyless entry technology.
A pivotal development slated for 2025 is the arrival of Aliro, a cross-platform protocol championed by industry giants like Apple, Google, Samsung, and major lock manufacturers. Aliro aims to standardize the use of smartphones, smartwatches, and other personal devices as digital keys. Building upon the success of Apple’s Home Key, which utilizes NFC technology for unlocking, Aliro will extend this functionality to a broader range of devices and locks. Importantly, it will incorporate ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for precise positioning, enabling seamless hands-free unlocking as users approach their doors. While Aliro-compatible locks are not yet available, announcements from U-tec and hints from Kwikset suggest that UWB-enabled smart locks are on the horizon, with other manufacturers likely to follow suit.
The integration of Matter-over-Thread technology promises to address two persistent challenges in the smart lock domain: limited battery life and interoperability issues. Matter, the smart home standard, ensures compatibility with diverse platforms, while Thread, a low-power connectivity protocol, optimizes battery consumption. This combination is expected to deliver significant improvements over current Wi-Fi-based locks, which often suffer from short battery life and restricted platform support. The adoption of Matter-over-Thread, alongside Aliro, is poised to become the industry standard, further enhancing the appeal of smart locks.
In conclusion, 2024 served as a foundational year for the evolution of smart locks, setting the stage for substantial advancements in 2025. The introduction of Aliro and the growing adoption of Matter-over-Thread are expected to revolutionize the smart lock experience, offering seamless hands-free entry, extended battery life, and broader platform compatibility. The confluence of these technological advancements positions 2025 as an opportune time for consumers considering integrating smart lock technology into their homes. The smart lock market is primed for continued growth and innovation, driven by the demand for enhanced security, convenience, and interoperability in the evolving smart home ecosystem.
