At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, Lockly unveiled a new lineup of smart locks designed to bridge the gaps in today's fragmented smart home ecosystems. The company's Affirm Series, featuring both deadbolt and latch models, promises native compatibility with the Matter standard, allowing seamless integration across various smart home platforms. According to a report from The Verge, these locks will support multiple access methods, including a numeric keypad and NFC technology for physical or digital key cards.
The Matter protocol, developed by major tech players like Apple, Google, and Amazon, aims to standardize smart home devices so they work together regardless of brand. Lockly's adoption of this standard positions the Affirm Series as a forward-thinking option for homeowners looking to future-proof their security setups. 'The Affirm Series will allow access using either physical or digital key cards,' The Verge noted, highlighting the flexibility that NFC brings to the table. Users can tap a physical card against the lock or store a digital version in their smartphone wallet, providing a convenient alternative to punching in codes.
Beyond NFC, the locks incorporate built-in Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for an additional hub or bridge to connect to the internet. This built-in connectivity should simplify installation and reduce costs for consumers, who often face compatibility headaches with older smart lock systems. Lockly, a California-based company known for its innovative door hardware, has been pushing boundaries in smart security since its founding in 2013. The Affirm Series builds on previous models like the Vision Elite, but with enhanced interoperability that aligns with industry-wide shifts toward unified standards.
Pricing for the Affirm Series has been set at $179.99, making it competitively positioned against rivals like Yale's Assure Lock or August's smart locks, which also hover around the $200 mark. Availability is slated for late in the second quarter of 2026, giving early adopters time to plan integrations with emerging Matter-enabled devices. The Verge's coverage emphasized that the locks will debut in both deadbolt and latch editions, catering to a range of door types from front entries to interior spaces.
In addition to the Affirm Series, Lockly introduced the TapCom platform, tailored for short-term rental properties. This system combines a video intercom with NFC tap interactions, enabling hosts to grant temporary access without handing over physical keys. Priced at $24.99, the TapCom is available now, with optional subscriptions for advanced features like remote monitoring or automated check-ins. For property managers dealing with platforms like Airbnb, this could streamline operations and enhance guest experiences, according to industry observers.
The TapCom's design addresses a growing pain point in the vacation rental market, where security and convenience often clash. By leveraging NFC, guests can receive digital keys via email or app, tapping their phone to enter. Lockly's move into this niche reflects broader trends in the sharing economy, where smart tech is increasingly vital for managing transient occupancy. The platform's immediate availability contrasts with the Affirm Series' delayed rollout, suggesting Lockly is prioritizing rental solutions amid rising demand post-pandemic.
Complementing these access-focused products, Lockly showcased the OwlGuard Security Camera, a compact device with offline monitoring capabilities. Featuring 2K wide-angle resolution and AI-powered detection for people, pets, and vehicles, the camera aims to provide reliable surveillance without constant internet reliance. It will hit shelves in the second quarter of this year for $99, offering an affordable entry into AI-enhanced home security.
The OwlGuard's offline mode is particularly noteworthy, as it allows recording and alerts even during network outages—a feature not always standard in budget cameras from competitors like Ring or Wyze. Lockly emphasized the camera's pet and vehicle detection as ways to reduce false alarms, a common complaint among users. As smart home security integrates more deeply with daily life, devices like this could play a key role in comprehensive setups that include locks and cameras working in tandem.
Rounding out the announcements, the Lockly Smart Safe XL introduces biometric access with AI enhancements. Users can unlock it via keypad, fingerprint scanner, or smartphone app, with the safe's large capacity suited for valuables or documents. Priced at $339.99, it will launch outside the United States in the second quarter of 2026, followed by a U.S. release in the third quarter. This staggered rollout indicates Lockly's strategy to test international markets first, potentially refining features based on global feedback.
The Smart Safe XL's multi-method access aligns with Lockly's emphasis on user-friendly security. In an era of rising cyber threats and physical break-ins, safes with app integration allow remote monitoring, such as receiving alerts if tampering is detected. While specifics on the AI enhancements weren't detailed in the announcements, they likely involve pattern recognition for fingerprints or anomaly detection for unauthorized access attempts.
Lockly's CES 2026 presentation comes at a pivotal time for the smart home industry. With Matter gaining traction—over 1,000 certified devices already on the market—the Affirm Series could accelerate adoption among lock manufacturers. Competitors like Schlage and Kwikset have also pledged Matter support, but Lockly's inclusion of NFC sets it apart, blending physical and digital worlds in a way that echoes contactless payments' rise.
Experts in the field see these developments as a step toward more inclusive smart homes. As The Verge reported, the locks' cross-platform compatibility means iOS, Android, and voice assistants like Alexa or Siri can all interact without proprietary ecosystems locking users in. This openness could democratize smart security, especially for renters or those in multi-vendor households.
Looking ahead, Lockly's portfolio expansion—from locks to cameras and safes—signals a holistic approach to home protection. The TapCom's focus on rentals taps into a market projected to grow to $100 billion globally by 2026, per industry forecasts. Meanwhile, the OwlGuard and Smart Safe XL address everyday needs, from neighborhood watch to personal asset protection.
As consumers await these releases, questions remain about real-world performance, particularly Matter's stability in diverse setups. Lockly has not yet shared beta testing results, but early indications from CES demos suggest robust integration. With prices starting under $200 for core products, the lineup could appeal to a broad audience, potentially reshaping how families secure their spaces in the coming years.
In the broader context of CES 2026, Lockly's innovations stand out amid announcements from giants like Samsung and LG. Yet, for everyday users, practical tools like these may have the most immediate impact. As smart homes evolve, companies like Lockly are betting on standards and simplicity to win over skeptics wary of tech overload.