Walk Up and Your Door Unlocks Automatically

TL;DR: Schlage is launching its first smart lock with Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology on June 29 for $399. The lock automatically unlocks your door as you approach, signaling a major shift towards more seamless, proximity-based physical security systems.
Key facts
- Category
- Tech Updates
- Impact
- High
- Published
- Source
- The Verge
Full summary
Schlage's new $399 smart lock uses UWB technology, letting you unlock your door just by walking up to it with your phone.
Lock manufacturer Schlage is releasing its first smart lock with Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology after more than a year of anticipation. The Schlage Sense Pro deadbolt launches in the US on June 29th for $399. Its main feature is hands-free access; the lock detects a supported device as it approaches and unlocks the door automatically. This removes the need for physical keys, codes, or biometric scans. The launch marks a significant use of UWB for home security by a major brand, moving beyond the typical Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections found in other smart locks.
This development is important for developers, CTOs, and security teams as it showcases a secure, real-world application of UWB for physical access. UWB provides highly accurate distance measurement, making it more resistant to relay attacks than technologies like Bluetooth. This precision is key for secure, proximity-based authentication. The launch serves as a strong signal for the future of both consumer and commercial access control systems. It demonstrates how UWB can create frictionless yet secure entry experiences, a key goal for modern IT and facilities management. This could pave the way for similar systems in corporate environments, replacing traditional key cards.
The entry of a major player like Schlage into the UWB space will likely speed up its adoption across the IoT industry. As more smartphones and wearables include UWB chips, the potential for new applications in asset tracking and indoor navigation will grow. While the $399 price makes this a premium product, the technology is expected to become more common and affordable. Companies should watch this trend closely, as UWB could become a new standard for secure, automated access in both homes and offices. It represents a shift in how we think about interacting with secure spaces.
Why it matters
This is one of the first major consumer smart locks to use UWB, signaling a shift toward more secure, proximity-based authentication that is resistant to common relay attacks. It provides a real-world example of UWB's potential in IoT and physical security.
Business impact
The launch could accelerate UWB adoption in both consumer and commercial access control systems. Businesses can see this as a proof-of-concept for upgrading their own physical security to be more seamless and secure, potentially replacing traditional key card systems.
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Primary source: The Verge