Aqara has officially launched the U500 smart lock series in the United Kingdom. This new lineup introduces three distinct models designed specifically for outdoor gates, frameless glass doors, and traditional rim setups.
Finding a solid smart lock for an outdoor metal gate has always been a frustrating experience. The dual-sided fingerprint reader on the new gate model completely solves that problem while maintaining high security. The hardware connects directly to your local network using Thread to support Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings.
Advanced Biometrics and Connectivity
The entire U500 series utilizes Thread to provide fast remote access without draining the batteries. Users can unlock their doors using Apple Home Keys, built in fingerprint readers, NFC tags, or standard PIN codes. The high resolution fingerprint sensors store up to 50 unique profiles locally with heavy encryption to ensure your biometric data remains private.
The system also supports the new Aliro standard to guarantee seamless digital key functionality across different mobile operating systems.
For those that don’t know, Aliro is a new open standard created by the Connectivity Standards Alliance to unify how digital keys operate. It ensures that your smartphone or wearable can seamlessly unlock compatible smart doors regardless of the hardware brand or operating system you use.
Specialized Hardware Designs
Aqara engineered each of the three models to solve a specific physical installation challenge. The Gate Lock features weather resistant fingerprint scanners and physical keyholes on both sides to prevent intruders from reaching through the bars to open it.
The Glass Door Lock uses a specialized clamp mechanism that securely attaches to frameless glass without requiring any destructive drilling.
The Rim Lock mounts directly to the interior surface of classic wooden doors to bypass the need for deep mortise cutouts. Every version features an IP65 weather resistance rating on the exterior panel to survive heavy rain and direct sunlight.
Battery Performance and Availability
These smart locks operate on four standard AA batteries to deliver up to seven months of everyday use. The exterior keypad includes a hidden USB-C port to let you temporarily power the lock with a portable battery bank in an emergency.
You can purchase the new U500 series right now through the official Aqara store and authorized retailers across the UK. Prices range from roughly 280 pounds to 300 pounds depending on the specific model you choose for your home.
