A smart deadbolt reportedly being developed by Apple and LG could use Ultra Wideband to determine when an authorized person is approaching the correct side of a door. That location awareness could make automatic unlocking more precise than a system based only on Bluetooth proximity.
An FCC notice concerning LG’s UWB lock says a phone would first use Bluetooth Low Energy to authenticate an access credential. The lock could then begin a UWB ranging session to determine the person’s position relative to the doorway.
Bloomberg links the lock to a wider range of LG-branded accessories developed with Apple. The report says that lineup is intended to work with Apple’s coming home hub, though Apple and LG have not announced the lock.
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Why UWB matters at a doorway
Bluetooth can establish that an authorized device is nearby, while UWB can measure direction and distance more precisely. In principle, that combination could help a lock distinguish someone approaching from outside from a person already standing inside the home.
The FCC document describes the radio behavior and LG’s request for a waiver. It does not establish the retail name, Home Key support, battery life, physical lock compatibility or what happens when a user’s phone is unavailable.
The reported lock belongs to the same ecosystem as LG cameras, a doorbell, thermostat and sensors. MacObserver’s home hub overview explains the Apple hardware expected to coordinate compatible accessories.
Automatic unlocking is therefore a supported development direction, not a finished consumer promise. Buyers should wait for LG’s final specifications and security documentation before assuming the feature will work with a particular door, iPhone or Apple Home setup.
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