Level Lock+ With Smart Home Key Integration Now Available From Apple's Online Store

[DownUnderDan]

Because you always wanted one more thing in your life dependent on having your phone readily available and charged at just this minute. Of course you can carry the key for backup, but that makes the whole point of this lock irrelevant.

 

[tothemoonsands]

All that really means is you don't fully understand it.

What do you mean? I have a Level Touch currently (basically the Level+ but without HomeKey), and my unit failed to alert me that the battery was low. I come home, and the lock doesn't automatically open. Luckily, I always carry the key on me along with my car key, so I was easily able to get in. I probably could have entered the front door without a key as that battery was still good, but the point is...doesn't hurt to have a physical non-electronic backup!

 

[tothemoonsands]

Because you always wanted one more thing in your life dependent on having your phone readily available and charged at just this minute. Of course you can carry the key for backup, but that makes the whole point of this lock irrelevant.

Having a key for backup doesn't make the whole point of the lock irrelevant, because you still get features such as "auto-unlock upon arrival", auto-lock x minutes after coming in, handing out temporary key cards, home keys, etc. to guests, and so much more. The physical key is merely a backup, and one that you will rarely, if ever, use. But it is still important to have, in my opinion.

 

[simps100]

Would love to move to a smart lock - probably the last thing to make smart in my home but struggle to find a decent one in the U.K. which would replace my night latch lock!

 

[rbgaynor]

Because you always wanted one more thing in your life dependent on having your phone readily available and charged at just this minute. Of course you can carry the key for backup, but that makes the whole point of this lock irrelevant.

Apple's Power Reserve mode will let you access the Home Key functionality even when your iPhone is otherwise dead.

 

[bLackjackj]

They offer an option where it just replaces the bolt portion of your existing lock. It's simply called the Level Bolt. Could even use it in apartments. No need to get new keys or handles.

That doesn't answer the issue??

What if you have a keyed handle as well, which is what was questioned? They don't appear to have a matching set of handle and deadlock. I'm not going to come home and use the phone for the lock and then use a key on the handle!

Does anyone sell a matching set?

 

[bigpoppamac31]

I'll stick with an old fashioned key. I'd rather not have the government be able to unlock my home.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

I'll stick with an old fashioned key. I'd rather not have the government be able to unlock my home.

Just wait for them to include a free aluminum foil hat with purchase and you’ll be all set I guess. 😉

 

[lordofthereef]

How's the battery on this thing? We have a third gen august and love almost everything about it except that we need to toss a A123 battery every 2-3 months. And the rechargeable batteries for them, from reviews, get as little as 3 weeks out of them.

 

[tothemoonsands]

How's the battery on this thing? We have a third gen august and love almost everything about it except that we need to toss a A123 battery every 2-3 months. And the rechargeable batteries for them, from reviews, get as little as 3 weeks out of them.

Assuming it runs similar to the Level Lock Touch, which by all accounts it should, then they advertise a 1 year battery. I’ve had a battery quit on me much sooner than that though, after 4 months or so. That said, it turns out the door needed some adjustments and the lock motor was getting some resistance which certainly reduced the battery life.

So, I would expect with reasonable usage, anywhere from 5-12 months, and to be safe you might change out 20-40% sooner than that.

 

[Icaras]

It's nice but I like the one I got more. It has a fingerprint scanner on it. No need to pull a phone out even.

I think having a built in fingerprint scanner would jack the price up even more. And if it supports Apple Watch over the lock like how you can use it now with Apple Pay, then that get around having to take your iPhone out.

Edit: sorry I just misread your post and saw that you already have one. How much did yours cost?

 

[svish]

Apple should make it available in its online stores in other countries too.

 

[Phil77354]

Sold! I've just ordered one and when I have tried it out expect to install this in all of our exterior doors.

I wish I had known about this when the 'soft launch' had started, it would have made it worthwhile to drive to our closest Apple Store to pick one up. As it turns out, delivery is now projected for first week in December. They must be experiencing a reasonably strong demand for this, or have limited products available. Either way, I'm anxious to get this and try it out.

 

[frostrambler]

Keep in mind the Schlage Encode Plus already does this and has Schlage as a reputable company backing it, I’ve had it for six months and love the apple key feature.

 

[gimarbazat]

nest lock’s been around for 10 years or something like that? No need for NFC at the door

 

[tridley68]

I'm not that lazy I'll continue to use a key I do see how this might help someone with a physical disability

 

[cwagz]

I don't know much about smart homes, and even less about security, but the fact that this product is "an Apple exclusive" seems rather limiting. I presume that means that the lock can only be opened by an iPhone. So everyone in my family needs to have an iPhone to use it? And a neighbor who comes in to feed the cat when I'm gone for a few days needs an iPhone?

No you don’t have to have an iPhone. Level sells this exact same lock on their website called the Level Lock Touch Edition that has been out for over a year. It works with Android and has the capability to create a code for your neighbor to feed your cat. The only thing the Plus version has that Touch Edition doesn’t have is HomeKey. So if you want the HomeKey capability (in addition to all the features that the regular Touch Edition), then get the Plus version. It is the same price.

 

[Rygaard]

1) no multipoint lock support
2) US only
3) the key is the most simple of keys would not even put this on my shed in the backyard - can be picked in seconds.

 

[adrianlondon]

Apple's Power Reserve mode will let you access the Home Key functionality even when your iPhone is otherwise dead.

*stands by door for 15 minutes as the phone is in the middle of an iOS upgrade*

Or ... *stands by door forever as my phone is lost / stolen*

Or ... phone is totally dead as the power reserve was already used for express transit to get home.

Sure, I could also lose my key I suppose. I'm just not yet convinced that a keyless smart lock is ... smart. Maybe I'm not young enough for this tech 🙂

 

[Flood4]

I’ll buy an electronic lock when it will as fast as the system in my 10 yo car. I touch the door and in 0.1 sec it’s unlocked.

I yet to find a system like that for my house. Why it’s so difficult!!??

 

[Edsel]

Lately, it feels as if I spend half of my life recharging my devices, searching for the correct button battery, updating firmware/Os/apps, and subscribing for device updates.

What is so wrong with using a physical key?

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Price is comical. How many this, Apple?

 

[mikebenton]

I use Schlage's smart locks on my front and back door. They integrate with Ring which arms/disarms the alarm as well. I have a side door where the top third of the door is glass. I haven't put a smart lock on it because all the locks on the market have the latch on the inside and someone just needs to break the glass and twist it unlocked. I have a Schlage bolt lock that requires a key on both sides so that if someone does break the glass, they'll need to crawl through a small opening with sharp glass. I just found the Level Bolt about 2 weeks ago and installed it. This has been a perfect solution, as I can keep the old hardware that is keyed.

I often find myself on the side of the house without a key and a locked door...so it's nice that I can use my Apple Watch to unlock it. It is a bit of a pain that I have to go into the Home app to do this instead of a tap type activity. I bought the Level Bolt on Amazon during a sale for $160. This new lock is more than twice that! Of course this lock is not the Bolt version and can't be used with existing hardware....but if the Bolt version turns out to be the same price, who would pay more than double just to add the HomeKey feature? The pricing seems WAY off.

 

[Phil77354]

... would not even put this on my shed in the backyard - can be picked in seconds.

Well, that concerns me, if true - so exactly how do you claim to know that? The Level website and Apple's product page for this lock refers to it as 'certified BHMA AAA' which addresses the physical security of the lock as well as resistance to picking, as I understand it.

This is an expensive lock, no argument there. I'll check out the Schlage locks too. I've been adding smart features to my own home each year, and this year looks like the time to upgrade the exterior door locks.

 

[mikebenton]

Well, that concerns me, if true - so exactly how do you claim to know that? The Level website and Apple's product page for this lock refers to it as 'certified BHMA AAA' which addresses the physical security of the lock as well as resistance to picking, as I understand it.

This is an expensive lock, no argument there. I'll check out the Schlage locks too. I've been adding smart features to my own home each year, and this year looks like the time to upgrade the exterior door locks.

I'm not sure which is easier, if someone really wants to break into your home, picking the lock or breaking a window. There are certainly different levels of lock picking. I think if someone has pretty good lock picking skills and is targeting your home....there's a good chance they will find a way in. A contact sensor on the door and windows will certainly help with security. And of course, the only preventative thing you can do for this is to put out a yard sign ors sticker that states you have an alarm system. The alarm is only going to go off AFTER they have broken in. Your physical security is only as good as the weakest entry point.

The Level Lock+ is way overpriced, even when you compare it to their previous version. HomeKey is not worth the premium they are charging (for most people). I think their Bolt product is pretty good option and you can catch it on sale for 20% off.