At WWDC last year, Apple Announced Home Key as one of the new features for HomeKit in iOS 15. The new feature would allow users to open and close a compatible smart lock using an iPhone or Apple Watch pretty much in the same way as you would pay for groceries.
However, unlike some other HomeKit features that just require firmware updates to enable the feature. Apple Home Key is a virtual key in the Wallet App on iPhone or Apple Watch. This feature uses NFC very much in the same way when making a purchase using your device. So the smart lock needs to have NFC built in and you need an iPhone XR and above and for Apple Watch, Series 4 and beyond.
If you want to learn more about Apple Home Key, then check out this article.
Apple Home key compatible smart locks
I will update this article as smart lock makers release official information on smart lock support for Home Key. So my advice would be not to believe the rumours from other HomeKit sources and check back here for genuine Home Key information.
Aqara A100 with Home Key support
- Expected later in 2022
The first of the announced smart locks is the Aqara A100 smart lock that works with mortice style locks. The smart lock is compatible with HomeKit and Apple Home Key. Currently, Aqara is only selling the Aqara A100 Pro in mainland china, however, the Aqara A100 Zigbee should soon arrive into international markets later in 2022.
Aqara markets 3 versions, the Aqara A100, the Aqara A100 Pro and the Aqara A100 Zigbee. With only the latter two supporting Apple Home Key.
You can learn more about the Aqara A100 Zigbee and what to expect from the smart lock in this article.
Schlage Encode Plus with Home Key support
- Expected Spring 2022
Schlage announced the Schlage Encode Plus at CES 2022 and confirmed it would support Home Key when it arrives in the Spring. Encode Plus features a built in keypad and the option to unlock with a manual key. Schlage designed the smart lock to work with deadbolt locks and will be available for the US and Canadian market.
You can learn more about the Schlage Encode Plus here.
Will my existing smart lock support Home Key
Although there are many smart locks that support HomeKit, Home Key requires NFC hardware. So if your lock does not have NFC, then it’s very unlikely that they will update your smart lock to support Home Key. Plus, just because your smart lock has NFC, does not guarantee that it will support Home Key.
Check out this video on how to use Apple Home Key
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