Schlage Apple Watch Lock: Open Your Door with Your Watch

Schlage Introduces the Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

The market has seen numerous smart door locks, but major industry players are now increasingly recognizing the potential of this technology. At CES, Schlage, a leading manufacturer of locking mechanisms, unveiled its Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt. This new device introduces the capability to unlock doors with a simple tap of a smartphone or Apple Watch.

Leveraging Apple’s Home Key Technology

This functionality is based on Apple’s Home Key innovations, first introduced in iOS 15. The system allows users to digitally store a house key within their Apple Wallet. Utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the key communicates securely with compatible locks.

A tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch initiates the unlocking process. While verbally commanding the lock to open – akin to saying “Open Sesame” – is not explicitly confirmed by the company, it remains a possibility.

Simplified Key Management and Access Control

A significant benefit of this technology lies in its ease of key distribution. Temporary keys can be easily granted to guests. For instance, a dog walker can be provided access to return a pet, or a plumber can gain entry even before the scheduled appointment time.

A Welcome Addition to the Smart Home Ecosystem

The Schlage Encode Plus is among the first locks to integrate Apple’s enhanced HomeKit experience with home key support. This addition is considered valuable, given Schlage’s century-long expertise in lock manufacturing. It’s often more effective to enhance established, reliable products with smart features than to construct an entire product around new technologies.

Schlage’s Vision for Secure Home Access

Dave Ilardi, general manager at Schlage (a brand of Allegion), stated, “Throughout our 100-year history, we have remained committed to revolutionizing the user experience with convenient and secure home access our customers can trust.” He further expressed excitement about the collaboration with Apple, uniting two brands known for innovation in the connected home.

Ilardi continued, “The Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt provides homeowners with an even simpler and secure way to access their homes. This is just another step in our vision to create purposeful experiences that deliver simplicity and peace of mind.”

Power Reserve Functionality

Notably, the technology continues to function even when a smartphone or Apple Watch is running low on battery, thanks to a “power reserve” mode. This ensures access can still be granted for a limited time even with a critically low device charge.

Familiar Features and Comprehensive Control

Beyond the tap-to-open feature, the Schlage Encode Plus shares many characteristics with the Schlage Encode Wi-Fi enabled lock. Users can remotely check door lock status and control locking/unlocking via their smartphone.

The lock allows for the creation of access codes with specific time constraints, enabling temporary, permanent, or recurring access. Detailed activity logs track which code was used to unlock the door and when. The device also integrates with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa for voice control.

Platform Compatibility

The tap-to-unlock functionality is exclusive to Apple’s home keys feature, requiring an iOS device or Apple Watch. Android users will not have access to this feature at this time, but can still utilize the Schlage app or Google Assistant for lock control.