Friday, November 22, 2024
Archived Post

Yale releases HomeKit-enabled smart locks

Yale Locks & Hardware says its Assure Lock family is now Apple HomeKit compatible. The new Yale iM1 Network Module, which provides support for the Apple Home app and Siri, will be available for purchase as of Oct. 16 in major retail stores in the U.S. and Canada.

Apple’s HomeKit is a framework that allows control of compatible home automation devices through iOS and Siri.

When used with a compatible Assure Lock, the Yale iM1 Network Module allows homeowners to lock and unlock their home using the Apple Home app or Siri on an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. With the Yale Secure app, the user is also able to easily check battery status, manage up to 25 PIN codes, see current lock status, customize lock settings, name a lock and add a new lock. Locking and unlocking automatically and away from home requires an Apple TV 4th generation or iPad with iOS 10.3 or later set up as a home hub.

Siri voice support adds an entirely new level of convenience for homeowners by allowing them to check a door’s current lock status or lock/unlock with a simple voice command. For example, “Hey Siri, is my front door locked?” and “Hey Siri, lock my front door.”

The new Yale iM1 Network Module will initially be compatible with two Yale Assure locks – the new Assure Lock SL and the Assure Lock Key Free Touchscreen. The module is available to purchase at Best Buy, Lowe’s SmartSpot Powered by B8ta stores, Lowes.com and P.C. Richard & Son. The Assure Lock SL and Assure Lock Key Free Touchscreen with the iM1 Network Module installed are available on Amazon.com.

The suggested retail price for an Assure Lock with the iM1 Network Module is $219.99. The module is available separately for $49.99.

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.