Apple has been granted a patent (number 11,386,730) for “smart lock systems and methods” that shows it may be considering making its line of smart home products using HomeKit.
HomeKit is a software framework by Apple that lets users configure, communicate with, and control smart-home appliances using Apple devices. It provides users with a way to automatically discover such devices and configure them.
About the patent
Electronic door locks typically require electricity from batteries. When the batteries run out of power, a user can be locked out of a building. Apple says there’s a need to reduce occurrences of people inadvertently being locked out of buildings due to electronic door locks running out of electrical power. The tech giant is looking into its own door lock systems to prevent such occurrences.
Summary of the patent
Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent: “A door lock system can comprise a door lock movable between a locked state and an unlocked state. The door lock system can detect a first indication suggestive of a presence of a visitor. The door lock system can also detect a second indication suggestive of an identity of the visitor. As well, the door lock can validate that the first indication and the second indication are associated with a first identity.”
I want one! Now