Lockly Affirm Offers Deadbolt and Latch Locks with Matter, Thread
Lockly, another brand less familiar to HomeKit News, has announced the Affirm smart lock series at CES 2026, introducing its first range of smart deadbolts and latches with native Matter-over-Thread support. The series is positioned as a platform-agnostic option for both homeowners and rental operators who want broad ecosystem compatibility without relying on a proprietary hub – something achievable with Matter.
Due to Matter compatibility, the Affirm line integrates with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and presumably Home Assistant, allowing it to fit into mixed smart home environments. Whislt the range uses Thread, a built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radio offers an alternative connection path via the Lockly Home app.
However, Thread is intended to be the primary transport, offering lower power consumption and improved reliability compared with Wi-Fi-only designs. A Thread border router is required to access the full benefits of Thread networking, but the locks can still function over Wi-Fi for users who do not yet have their Thread setup in place.
In terms of access, Affirm supports multiple entry methods. These include a backlit keypad using Lockly’s PIN Genie layout, NFC cards or fobs, smartphones, and wearables like Apple Watch for example. Physical keys are also included as a fallback, although like many smart locks these days, they’re treated as a last resort. The system can store ‘hundreds’ of access codes, and codes can be used even when the lock is offline, making it suitable for families and short-term rental properties.
The exterior housing incorporates an integrated doorbell, allowing visitors to announce themselves without a separate device. When paired with Lockly’s TapCom platform, the NFC tag on the lock can initiate audio or video calls, depending on how the system is configured.
Software features include scheduled auto-locking, activity logs, remote control through the Lockly app, and a ‘welcome mode’ (often referred to as Passage Mode) that keeps the door unlocked during defined periods. For larger installations, LocklyOS provides centralised management across multiple locks and properties.
There’s no specific mention of either Apple HomeKey, UWB, or Aliro, so it may be best to wait and see, now that Aqara’s newly released Smart Lock U400 now offers the most comprehensive set of unlock methods
The Affirm series will be offered in both deadbolt and latch configurations, launching initially in a matte black finish. Pricing starts at US$179.99, with availability expected in some time between April and June of 2026.
