TL;DR
Get kitchen gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
Aqara has launched the U600, a smart lock designed for common UK multipoint door systems, with Apple HomeKey, Samsung Wallet Key and Matter over Thread. It is on sale in the UK for £229.99; the reported feature set does not include UWB.
Aqara has launched the U600, a smart lock designed for common British multipoint door locks, with support for Apple HomeKey, Samsung Wallet Key and Matter over Thread. The lock is available through Amazon.co.uk for £229.99; the source report does not list ultra-wideband (UWB) support.
The U600 is designed for uPVC, composite and timber doors using compatible multipoint locking systems. Aqara specifies a 335 x 40.5 x 28 mm body for doors 40 to 80 mm thick, with centre distances of 72 to 92 mm and backsets of 35 to 70 mm. Buyers will need to check their door measurements and hardware against those ranges before ordering.
For Apple users, HomeKey allows unlocking with a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch held near the lock. The report says Express Mode can work without opening an app or unlocking the phone, and Apple Power Reserve can allow a compatible iPhone to operate the lock for up to five hours after its battery is depleted. Samsung Wallet Key offers a similar tap-to-unlock option on compatible Galaxy phones.
The lock connects through Matter over Thread and is listed as compatible with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings and Home Assistant, subject to having the relevant Matter controller and Thread Border Router. Aqara says its app can also provide remote unlocking and device automations when paired with a compatible Aqara hub, with no subscription required for those functions. Other entry options include a fingerprint reader, PIN codes, separately sold Aqara NFC cards and a physical key.
A UK Fit for HomeKey
The U600 addresses a practical limitation for UK households: many smart locks are built around North American deadbolts or European cylinders, rather than the multipoint mechanisms common on British doors. A lock designed for those door types could give some owners a way to add connected access without replacing the existing door hardware.
That could also widen the appeal of Apple HomeKey in the UK, where compatibility with the door itself can be as important as phone and smart-home support. Aqara says installation typically takes 15 to 30 minutes with a screwdriver and no extra drilling or wiring. The report describes the fitting as reversible, a potential advantage for renters, although suitability will depend on the individual door and installation.
The absence of listed UWB support matters to shoppers comparing hands-free unlocking features. The reported HomeKey method is a near-field tap, not an approach based on UWB proximity detection. Aqara’s source material does not explain whether UWB was considered or whether it could be added in a later product.
Products Worth Considering
Ninja Foodi Smart 6-in-1 Indoor Grill and Air Fryer, 4 Qt, Black/Silver, FG551
Ninja 12-in-1 Smart Double Oven with FlexDoor, Stainless Steel (DCT451)
Weber Searwood XL 600 Wood Pellet Smoker Grill, 36 inches, Black
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
How the U600 Unlocks
Alongside phone and watch credentials, the U600 offers a fingerprint reader rated for up to 50 fingerprints. Aqara claims recognition takes about 0.5 seconds. Users can also set permanent, temporary or scheduled PIN codes, manage permissions and review unlock activity through the Aqara Home app. Siri and Alexa voice control are listed, while a conventional key provides a physical backup.
The external panel has an IP65 dust and water-resistance rating, and Aqara says the lock is designed to operate from -20°C to +55°C. It runs on four AA batteries, with a quoted life of up to 10 months depending on use. The exterior panel has a concealed USB-C port for temporary power from a power bank if the batteries run out; Aqara also provides low-battery notifications.
The launch report places the U600 in a wider market where smart locks often require buyers to match a product to their door’s existing hardware. Its UK-specific dimensions and multipoint-lock focus are central to the product’s pitch, rather than connectivity alone.
“Installation typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, requiring only a screwdriver, with no additional drilling or wiring.”
— Aqara, as reported by Homekit News and Reviews
Fit and Feature Limits
The launch report does not provide a UWB feature or explain whether the omission reflects a deliberate product choice. It also does not specify which exact door models or multipoint mechanisms have been tested, so the stated dimensions should not be treated as proof of compatibility with every UK door. Buyers may need to verify fit with Aqara or a qualified installer.
Some smart-home features depend on additional equipment: Matter use requires an appropriate controller and Thread Border Router, while Aqara app functions such as remote unlocking require a compatible Aqara hub. The source does not set out which capabilities remain available without a hub, or provide independent testing of battery life, weather resistance or installation time.
Availability and Buyer Checks
The U600 is available now in the UK for £229.99 through Amazon.co.uk, according to the launch report. Aqara has not announced a further UK release date or additional rollout details in the supplied material.
Before buying, consumers should compare their door’s thickness, centre distance and backset with Aqara’s specifications, and confirm that the existing multipoint mechanism is supported. Those planning to use Matter over Thread should also check that their smart-home setup includes the required controller and Thread Border Router. Further information about UWB or additional compatibility testing has not been provided.
Key Questions
How much does the Aqara U600 cost in the UK?
The U600 is listed at £229.99 through Amazon.co.uk.
Does the Aqara U600 support UWB?
UWB is not listed among the U600’s features in the launch report. The reported HomeKey method is tapping a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch near the lock.
Will the U600 fit every UK door?
No universal compatibility is stated. Aqara gives supported door thicknesses of 40 to 80 mm, centre distances of 72 to 92 mm and backsets of 35 to 70 mm. Buyers should check their door and multipoint hardware against those measurements.
Can the U600 work without an Aqara hub?
The lock supports Matter over Thread, but this requires a compatible Matter controller and Thread Border Router. The report says Aqara app features such as remote unlocking and Aqara-device automations require a compatible Aqara hub.
What happens if the U600’s batteries run out?
Aqara says users can temporarily power the exterior panel through a concealed USB-C port using a power bank. A physical key is also listed as an alternative entry method.
Source: rss
