Imagine a world where your smart lock never runs out of power, no more scrambling for fresh batteries or worrying about dead devices at the worst moments. That's the exciting breakthrough Lockin is bringing to CES 2026, and it might just revolutionize how we secure our homes without the hassle. If you're a renter or apartment dweller like me, who's ever dealt with the frustration of fumbling with AA batteries every few months – my old Eufy C30 is a prime example – this could be a game-changer. Stick around to discover why these new locks are drawing such buzz, and how they tackle one of smart home tech's biggest annoyances.
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Authored by Ajay Kumar, a tech journalist with over 13 years in the field. Ajay started his career breaking Android news at Newsweek, then moved to PCMag as a Mobile Analyst, where he tested hundreds of smartphones, chargers, and battery packs. He also served as Tech Commerce Editor at Lifewire (a Dotdash Meredith brand), curating best-of lists and overseeing reviews in areas like smart homes, UPS units, generators, and automotive gadgets. Most recently, he led mobile coverage at Digital Trends, handling news, reviews, roundups, and deals for phones, wearables, VR gear, batteries, and more. Drawing from his hands-on experience as a homeowner in a vintage apartment building, Ajay knows the quirky electrical challenges that can arise. For advice on tech topics, especially solar panels, UPS systems, batteries, EVs, and charging, reach out to him at ajkumar@cnet.com.
This piece is a quick 3-minute read, but packed with insights.
Picture this: You're in a rental where drilling holes or running wires for a wired smart lock isn't an option – that's me, relying on wireless models. The battery drama is real; I rarely make it a few months without swapping out those four AA batteries. So, when Lockin unveiled the V7 Max at CES 2026, a wireless smart lock that operates without any recharging needs, I was hooked. And get this – it doesn't even depend on solar power for its energy source.
Bill Chen, Lockin's CEO, explained it perfectly: 'AuraCharge delivers power without sunlight, no manual charging required, and offers an endless energy supply.'
This innovation is called optical wireless charging, Lockin's proprietary AuraCharge system. The V7 Max gets its juice from a light beam transmitted wirelessly through the door via a base station that maintains a clear line of sight up to about 13 feet (4 meters). The base station plugs into an outlet but keeps the lock powered continuously, as long as nothing obstructs the path.
The base station is compact, roughly the size of a small speaker, so it's easy to place on an entryway table or wall-mount it. Lockin assures that the optical energy is safe for eyes, backed by certifications from TÜV Rheinland and SGS – think of it as extra peace of mind against any potential risks.
Lockin emphasizes that the V7 Max eliminates 'battery anxiety' by ditching disposable batteries, lithium-ion rechargeables, or solar reliance. Unlike those options, which can fail due to depletion or lack of light, this system promises uninterrupted performance.
Shaped as a slim 15mm mortise lock – for beginners, a mortise lock is installed into a pocket in the door frame, offering a sleek, integrated look – the V7 Max boasts top-tier features. It includes three biometric security methods: finger vein scanning, palm vein recognition, and 3D facial identification. Plus, you can unlock it with a keypad or voice commands. Its built-in Lockin AI tailors the experience to 10 key situations, such as thwarting burglaries, handling package deliveries, or searching video footage by keywords – imagine telling it to pull up footage of that suspicious van from last week.
It even functions as a video doorbell, complete with two HD cameras on each side for a wide-angle view. There are 5-inch touchscreens inside and out, allowing you to see visitors, chat with delivery drivers, or control access remotely. Compatibility is broad, supporting Google, Apple, Amazon, and Samsung ecosystems, plus the Matter protocol for seamless smart home integration.
For a more budget-friendly and traditional option, Lockin is introducing the Veno Pro Wireless, a revamped deadbolt-style smart lock – think of a deadbolt as the standard rotating bolt in most doors, simpler to install than a mortise version. It incorporates AuraCharge for wireless power, adds vein and palm detection, and keeps the keypad interface. This could be my pick, especially since it's designed as a straightforward replacement for existing deadbolts, avoiding the complexity of mortise setups.
And this is where it gets interesting: Lockin is also launching the Aeon, a solar-powered lock using perovskite solar technology. For those new to this, perovskite cells are advanced materials that convert sunlight into energy more efficiently than typical solar panels. While it does need sunlight, Lockin claims it recharges even on cloudy days, making it viable in less sunny regions like the Pacific Northwest or rainy coasts – not just sunny spots like California or Texas. I didn't spot a demo at CES Unveiled, but I'm eager to check it out at their booth soon.
All three models will hit preorder right after CES, with deliveries starting early 2026 via Amazon (https://cc.cnet.com/v1/otc/04Yxjj1rHOmYAxbnVDhvKNn?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLockin-Fingerprint-Recognition-Detection-Weatherproof%2Fdp%2FB0DYJWST43%3Fth%3D1&app_deeplink=1) and Lockin.com (http://www.lockin.com/). Pricing details are still under wraps, but expect the V7 Max to approach $1,300, positioning it as a premium investment. Release is slated for late July or early August.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is relying on a plugged-in base station and a clear line of sight truly 'wireless' in the purest sense, or does it just shift the dependency to another power source? Critics might argue it complicates setups for some homes, especially if furniture or decor blocks that beam. On the flip side, for renters forbidden from wiring, this could be liberating. And what about privacy with all those cameras and biometrics – are we trading convenience for potential overreach? Most people miss how this optical tech could inspire even more energy-efficient gadgets beyond locks, but at what cost to our electric bills?
What are your thoughts? Do these Lockin innovations represent the pinnacle of smart security, or do you see drawbacks like higher upfront costs or installation hurdles? Could optical charging spark a new era for battery-free devices, or is solar still the safer bet for eco-conscious homeowners? Weigh in below – I'd love to hear your agreements, disagreements, or personal experiences with smart locks!
