Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
69,419
40,473



Latch, a company that designs locks for use in apartment buildings, today announced the launch of its latest product, the Latch C. Latch C is compatible with HomeKit and according to Latch, is the first HomeKit smart lock designed for enterprise use.

The Latch C will let apartment dwellers unlock their doors with their iPhones, via the Home app, Siri, or a dedicated Latch app, eliminating the need for a physical key. It connects to a HomeKit system using WiFi and Bluetooth, and it includes a touchscreen.

latchclock-800x469.jpg

Because the lock comes equipped with a wide-angle camera and digital log, it can be used to check who's at the door and keep track of who's coming and going. Users can also generate one-time access codes to share with guests and delivery services as needed.

latchclock2-800x497.jpg

According to Latch, apartment buildings that install support for Latch C will be able to provide residents with access to the HomeKit functionality as a standard feature from the moment they move in. Along with access via Siri and the Home app, HomeKit support also allows the Latch C to be included in Scenes for automation purposes.
"We are focused on improving every detail of the user experience at the modern building, and the Latch C with Apple HomeKit extends our ability to provide new access and delivery opportunities to customers," said Luke Schoenfelder, Latch Co-Founder and CEO.
Latch C is available for purchase from the Latch website for $299, with the purchase price including a two-year service contract along with installation and support. Latch C can be combined with existing Latch M and Latch R locks.

Latch is an enterprise solution designed for entire apartment buildings and sold to property managers, so it is not available for individuals to purchase.

Article Link: Latch Announces First Enterprise-Certified HomeKit-Compatible Smart Lock
 
More Apple ex-employees that don't know how to price things. Give them a year and they'll be in the same boat as the license frame back-up camera people.

Edit: Re-read and verified my disbelief that Android isn't even mentioned. Yup, everyone has an iPhone /s
 
  • Like
Reactions: imola.zhp
When are we going to see a double cylinder deadbolt smart lock? Seems like a no brainer to me.
[doublepost=1503413825][/doublepost]
More Apple ex-employees that don't know how to price things. Give them a year and they'll be in the same boat as the license frame back-up camera people.

Edit: Re-read and verified my disbelief that Android isn't even mentioned. Yup, everyone has an iPhone /s
$299 is quite competitive for a smart lock, especially when it has a built in camera. The Ring doorbell costs nearly as much...

Yeah, if you're into smart home devices and you use Android, it's expected that you are superior to us iOS users and can just build it yourself.
 
Yeah, if you're into smart home devices and you use Android, it's expected that you are superior to us iOS users and can just build it yourself.

For the record, I'm an iOS user. Assumptions, assumptions. What is it that's said about people who assume?
 
More Apple ex-employees that don't know how to price things. Give them a year and they'll be in the same boat as the license frame back-up camera people.

Edit: Re-read and verified my disbelief that Android isn't even mentioned. Yup, everyone has an iPhone /s


From their website: Latch lets you unlock a door with an iOS or Android smartphone, keycard, or special doorcode (and optionally comes with a key).

Not very difficult at all.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Great looking product - Quirks with current offerings make me nervous to use as my only point of entry. This, I would buy!
 
Something tells me if this will be installed in apartments, landlords will have access to the camera as well.
 
I don't think I would like this on an apartment door where someone else has control. At a home, sure, but I don't like the idea of someone in a leasing office being able to just click a checkbox and lock me out, or like someone else said, be able to see everyone that comes and goes through the camera.
 
I don't think I would like this on an apartment door where someone else has control. At a home, sure, but I don't like the idea of someone in a leasing office being able to just click a checkbox and lock me out, or like someone else said, be able to see everyone that comes and goes through the camera.

They could put a security camera in a hallway or even above your door. On one hand, it's creepy, on the other it's increased security for everyone who lives there. As far as the lock itself goes, I'd request a key.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sandstorm
I remember when this company first came out a while back. I was so hype I wanted to buy one of their locks. It kind of sucks that they still have no intention of selling to the individual.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.