In a move that bolsters its position in the smart lock market, Yale has unveiled its first retrofit smart door lock, the Yale Approach with Wi-Fi. Priced at $129.99, this innovative lock offers a cost-effective solution for homeowners who want to upgrade their existing deadbolts with smart features.

One of the standout features of the Yale Approach is its ability to attach to the back of the door, eliminating the need to replace the entire deadbolt. This makes it particularly appealing for renters or individuals who wish to maintain the aesthetic of their door hardware while enjoying the convenience of a smart lock. With auto-unlock and the ability to lock or unlock the door from a smartphone, users can easily control access to their homes.

The Yale Approach is further enhanced with the option to pair it with the wireless Yale Keypad, priced at $69.99. This keypad can store up to 250 codes, providing an alternative method for unlocking the door. Additionally, a fingerprint-enabled version of the keypad is expected to be released later this year, bringing biometric access to the Yale locks.

The smart lock offers a range of functionalities, including auto-unlocking, auto-locking, and one-touch locking via the keypad. It is compatible with major smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. However, Apple Home compatibility is currently not supported.

To connect the Yale Approach with Wi-Fi, it comes with a plug-in Yale Connect module. The lock operates on four AA batteries and boasts an impressive battery life of up to 12 months, ensuring uninterrupted functionality.

Yale's foray into retrofit locks poses a challenge to August, a long-time leader in the market. The acquisition of August and Yale by Assa Abloy and subsequent purchase by Fortune Brands has led to significant updates in the Yale smart lock lineup. Conversely, new hardware releases from August have been scarce, fueling speculation that the development of August locks may be stagnating.

Despite its competitive pricing and feature set, the Yale Approach does resemble the August Smart Lock + Connect released in 2017. However, the Yale Approach's slimmer design and more affordable price tag are likely to attract customers who prioritize value for money. On the other hand, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, known for its compact design, remains a top choice for those seeking a sleek retrofit lock, albeit at a higher cost.

Yale has confirmed that the Yale Approach will receive an upgrade to support the new interoperability smart home standard, Matter, offering enhanced connectivity options. Additionally, the lock is equipped with a dormant Thread radio, enabling compatibility with Matter-over-Thread, further expanding its connectivity capabilities.

The Yale Approach is set to compete with the Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint Matter, which is expected to launch later this summer. As one of the few Matter-over-Thread smart locks with biometric access, the Yale Approach provides homeowners with an affordable alternative. Its compatibility with Matter also positions it as a future-proof choice for consumers investing in a connected smart home ecosystem.

Yale's new retrofit smart lock has generated excitement among consumers looking for an affordable and convenient way to upgrade their door security. The lock's compatibility with popular smart home platforms and upcoming Matter integration makes it a compelling choice for homeowners seeking seamless connectivity. The Verge will be conducting a comprehensive review of the Yale Approach with Wi-Fi smart lock, providing valuable insights for consumers.

Matter, the new smart home interoperability standard developed by industry giants Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung, gives consumers the freedom to choose compatible devices from various manufacturers while ensuring security and ease of use. With support from major smart home platforms and a growing list of device manufacturers, Matter looks set to revolutionize the connected home experience.