SwitchBot has unveiled the new Lock Ultra Max Vision Pro Combo at IFA 2026, introducing an upgraded retrofit smart lock designed for European doors with Matter support and a wide range of biometric unlocking options.
The new system works with Apple Home through Matter, although it’s worth pointing out that Apple Home Key is not supported. So, while the lock can be added to the Apple Home app and incorporated into your smart home, you won’t be able to simply tap an iPhone or Apple Watch against the lock to unlock the door using a Home Key stored in Apple Wallet.
SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max
The centrepiece of the new system is the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max, which follows the same retrofit approach as the company’s previous locks. It mounts to the inside of an existing door, allowing users to retain their current lock cylinder rather than replacing it.
SwitchBot says the new UltraDrive brushless motor operates at up to 160rpm and offers 3.2 times the motor rotation speed of the previous Lock Ultra. In its fastest Max Mode, unlocking can take as little as 1.1 seconds.
There’s also a Quiet Mode for situations where a slower and quieter operation is preferable.
Compatibility remains a major focus, with SwitchBot claiming support for 99% of European locks, including common EU profile cylinders, Swiss round cylinders and UK oval cylinders.
Face, Palm and Fingerprint Unlocking
Outside the door, the new Keypad Vision Pro provides most of the system’s more interesting unlocking options.
It features 3D facial recognition using more than 30,000 projected infrared points to create a depth map of the user’s face. SwitchBot says recognition can take less than a second and works in low-light conditions using infrared illumination.
The keypad also supports palm vein recognition, which uses near-infrared sensing to identify the vein pattern inside a person’s hand. This sits alongside more traditional fingerprint recognition, passcodes and NFC cards.
Combined with unlocking through the SwitchBot app, smartwatch controls, geofencing, physical keys and other methods, SwitchBot says the complete system offers up to 19 different ways to unlock the door.
Biometric information including facial, palm vein and fingerprint data is processed and stored locally on the device rather than being shared with third-party smart home platforms.
Apple Home Support Through Matter
For Apple Home users, connectivity comes through the SwitchBot Hub Mini Matter Enabled, which is included as part of the combo.
The hub exposes the lock to compatible smart home platforms using Matter over Bridge, including Apple Home. This means the Lock Ultra Max can appear alongside your other Apple Home accessories and be incorporated into compatible scenes and automations.
However, Matter support shouldn’t be confused with Apple Home Key.
The SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max does not support Apple Home Key, so there’s no ability to store a digital house key in Apple Wallet and unlock the door by tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch against it.
Instead, SwitchBot is putting the emphasis on its own biometric entry system, particularly facial and palm vein recognition.
Triple Battery Backup
SwitchBot has also introduced a three-layer power system intended to reduce the chances of users being locked out because of a depleted battery.
The main 4,200mAh rechargeable battery is rated for up to nine months of typical use. An independent CR123A battery acts as a backup and can provide approximately 500 locking or unlocking operations if the main battery is depleted or removed for charging.
There is then a final Micro-Power Unlock feature, which SwitchBot says can gather residual energy for around 30 seconds to provide up to five emergency unlocking attempts.
The Keypad Vision Pro has its own 5,000mAh rechargeable battery, rated for up to 12 months under typical use.
Price and Availability
The SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max Vision Pro Combo will be available to pre-order from September 3 through SwitchBot’s UK and European websites.
The complete package, which includes the Lock Ultra Max, Keypad Vision Pro and Matter-enabled Hub Mini, is priced at £339.99 in the UK and €339.99 in Europe.
SwitchBot is demonstrating the new lock at IFA 2026 in Berlin, where I’ll be taking a closer look at the system and how its Matter integration works with Apple Home.
