Reports suggest that its Samsung Galaxy Phones may soon feature the ability to unlock doors using a simple tap or even hands-free functionality. Leveraging advanced tech like Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and digital keys, Samsung is paving the way for a futuristic approach to personal security and smart home interaction.
How Tap and Hands-Free Unlocking Would Work
This rumoured feature is said to leverage Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, which enables high-precision spatial awareness between devices. UWB technology, unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, offers precise positioning that can detect nearby devices even through walls, making it particularly effective for secure access applications. Samsung has already incorporated UWB into several Galaxy models, such as the Galaxy S21 and later versions, for features like location tracking and file sharing.
With UWB, Samsung Galaxy phones would be able to detect a compatible smart lock system at a close range, allowing users to unlock their doors by simply tapping their phone on the lock or even approaching it with hands-free operation. Tap unlocking may resemble contactless payment methods, where users only need to bring the phone close to the lock to gain entry. In cases where hands-free unlocking is enabled, the phone would communicate with the door lock as the user approaches, making unlocking seamless without requiring any physical interaction.
In addition, Samsung’s feature is expected to integrate with Aliro, a security platform co-developed by the smart lock company Dormakaba and other partners. Aliro’s collaboration would allow Samsung to bring this feature to a variety of compatible smart locks across residential, commercial, and hospitality applications, opening up a range of use cases beyond the home.
Samsung’s Push into Smart Home and Security
In recent years, Samsung has increasingly ventured into the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart home ecosystems, with products that enable interoperability across various devices. This strategy aligns with the company’s efforts to make Galaxy smartphones a core component of home security and automation. By enabling door unlock functionality directly through Samsung Galaxy phones, Samsung would not only add new value to its smartphones but also position itself as a leader in digital home security.
Samsung’s rumoured door-unlocking feature builds on existing efforts to make life simpler and more secure. The company has already introduced similar functionalities with SmartThings, its IoT platform, which allows users to control multiple connected devices from a single app. Extending these capabilities to a device as essential as a front door would mean the Galaxy phone could serve as the ultimate tool for securing and managing a household.
Security Measures and UWB-Powered Unlocking
A key consideration in this new feature is security. UWB technology is inherently more secure than other wireless communication methods due to its short range and precise spatial capabilities. Samsung’s door-unlock feature would require the phone to be within a close proximity of the lock, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Additionally, Samsung’s digital home key feature is likely to incorporate multiple layers of security, including PINs or biometric verification, for an added layer of safety.
This security-focused approach is intended to mitigate privacy concerns, ensuring that users feel comfortable adopting this technology. With the potential for custom settings, users may have the option to fine-tune their experience, specifying which doors or entry points the feature applies to, the level of verification needed, and the distance required for activation.
The benefits of this tap-and-go or hands-free unlocking extend beyond convenience. People juggling groceries, young children, or bulky items often find it inconvenient to locate and use a key or access card. Samsung’s solution could eliminate the need for physical keys, creating a smoother entry experience, particularly in busy lifestyles or fast-paced environments.
Samsung’s Ecosystem and SmartThings
The door-unlocking feature would be part of Samsung’s wider ecosystem, integrated with Samsung SmartThings, the company’s hub for controlling various IoT devices. For those who already use SmartThings, this addition would mean their phone could act as a universal remote for both home access and other automated devices in the house, such as lights, thermostats, and even security cameras. For example, a user could program their phone to automatically switch on lights or disable the home security alarm upon entering, creating a welcoming environment immediately upon arrival.
The SmartThings platform already offers interoperability with a wide array of devices, and adding digital home keys would further centralize control within one app, reducing the need to juggle multiple apps for different devices. Through its collaboration with smart lock providers and an expanding range of connected devices, Samsung could potentially make SmartThings an essential tool for people looking to automate their homes comprehensively.
How Samsung Compares to Other Competitors
The rumoured tap and hands-free unlocking functionality aligns with what other smartphone giants are exploring in smart home security. Apple, for instance, has integrated digital keys into its iPhone lineup for compatible locks, but Samsung’s adoption of UWB may offer a more refined approach by enhancing precision and security. Samsung’s choice to partner with existing leaders in the smart lock space, like Dormakaba, ensures that its implementation is compatible with a broad array of locks, positioning it to serve a wider audience than similar features on other smartphones.
By placing Samsung Galaxy phones at the centre of smart home interactions, Samsung could deliver a comprehensive digital security and automation experience that sets it apart from competitors, especially those focusing more narrowly on specific lock brands.
Conclusion
While rumours of Samsung’s tap and hands-free unlocking feature have generated excitement, the concept aligns well with Samsung’s established vision for connected living. With the integration of UWB technology and compatibility with industry-leading smart locks, Samsung is poised to turn its Samsun Galaxy Phones into versatile, multi-functional devices. If these reports prove accurate, Galaxy users can expect their phones to simplify not only digital interactions but also physical access, making keys a relic of the past.
As Samsung continues to innovate, the Samsung Galaxy phone could soon be the ultimate access key—offering security, precision, and convenience like never before. This potential development reflects the growing trend toward more connected, intelligent devices that empower users to customize and secure their living environments effortlessly.
Arthur is a senior member of the communications team who has worked at several well-known companies over the past 10 years. As a writer with many years of experience in the technology sector, focusing on reviewing mobile phones and accessories, he has written about many products or has been hands-on with them at some point
