Nuki has launched a retrofit smart lock and keypad bundle that integrates Apple Home Key support through NFC, offering a non-intrusive solution for renters and apartment dwellers seeking convenient, secure access without replacing existing hardware.
Nuki’s Smart Lock and Keypad 2 NFC bundle makes a strong case for retrofit smart locks, especially for Apple Home users who want Home Key support without replacing a deadbolt. The lock sits on the inside of the door, while the keypad mounts outside and provides the NFC contact point needed for Apple Wallet unlocks. According to AppleInsider, that arrangement is what turns a retrofit design into a practical Home Key system.
The appeal is not just compatibility. The keypad also accepts fingerprints and passcodes, while MacRumors said the device supports the Aliro standard, which is meant to improve interoperability between smart locks and mobile credentials. Nuki says the keypad can store up to 20 fingerprints, 200 access codes and 35 Tap-to-Unlock credentials, with local storage and end-to-end encryption used for security. T3 reported that the keypad is the first Aliro-certified model for electronic door locks, and that it works with Matter-enabled Nuki locks.
For day-to-day use, the bundle appears designed to reduce friction rather than add it. AppleInsider found the system largely reliable once set up, though pairing with Matter took some effort. The lock itself is rechargeable over USB-C using a magnetic connector, while the keypad runs on AAA batteries that Nuki says should last about a year. El País reported similar claims for battery life and said installation is straightforward, with no wiring or construction required.
There are trade-offs. AppleInsider noted that the retrofit form factor makes the lock more visible than a conventional deadbolt, and some users may initially mistake it for a door handle or knob. That is an unavoidable consequence of a design that adapts existing hardware rather than replacing it. Even so, the review judged the overall package to be unobtrusive, easy to live with and well suited to renters and apartment dwellers.
Price is another factor. MacRumors and T3 both put the keypad at $179, with the bundle priced at $289. AppleInsider said that sale pricing can make the set more competitive than it first appears, particularly when compared with premium locks such as Level’s. For buyers already committed to Apple Home, the main attraction is clear: a retrofit lock that finally delivers the convenience of tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch at the door.
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