Some Apple Store locations began stocking the exclusive new Level Lock+ last week, letting users open their door locks with their iPhone or Apple Watch via digital keys. And now you can get it online, too.
The functionality takes advantage of the change in iOS 15 last year adding support for home keys in Wallet. It uses NFC radio technology to let an iPhone or Apple Watch near the lock open it.
New Level Lock+ in Apple Store lets you use your iPhone as a house key
The new Level Lock+ is available exclusively from Apple, but only just recently online and only in some brick-and-mortar stores, online reports said.
It’s an NFC upgrade on the existing Level Lock as well as a significant price hike. The original can be had for $199 and the plus model costs $329.95.
The new lock is great for HomeKit users because that home-automation system works with it, as do Siri voice commands. And they can use Level’s app to control the lock remotely and share access.
Here’s how CNET described the lock:
There’s a lot to like about the Level Lock’s unique design. For starters, the lock’s motor is packed into the lock’s central cylinder — the part that sits inside of your door. That makes it one of the quietest smart locks CNET has ever tested. It’s efficient, too, running off of just a single CR2 battery packed into the deadbolt itself. That eliminates the bulky battery pack on the exterior of the lock, so most people won’t even be able to tell that it’s a smart lock at all.
iPhone or Apple Watch as Home Key
Just picked up my Ultra this morning and can confirm. Now on Sale at Apple.
Pics of Box now on Display.
Can’t wait to try HomeKey pic.twitter.com/dZXqhCrNBL
— James Dombro (@james_dombro) October 14, 2022
Using your handset or wearable as a Home Key is about as easy as paying for something with Apple Pay. Open Wallet, select the digital key, and hold it near the lock. Now that’s convenient.
Although this is Level’s first Home Key lock and an Apple Store exclusive, it’s not the first lock to work this way. That would be the Schlage Encode Plus, which Cult of Mac wrote about in December 2021 and January 2022.
You can get the Level Lock+ in gray or black in stores and, as of very recently, online.
Price: $329.95
Where to buy: Apple
