First look: August Smart Lock Pro + Connect with Apple HomeKit [u]

August's top-of-the-line package, the $279 Smart Lock Pro + Connect, lets people control a door from anywhere with internet access — and with HomeKit support, becomes fairly easy to integrate with third-party accessories.

The Pro replaces the thumblatch on an existing deadbolt in a process that requires about 15 minutes, at least in most cases. The Connect, meanwhile, plugs directly into an AC outlet, and serves as a Wi-Fi bridge enabling remote access and automation, whether through HomeKit or the August Home iPhone app. HomeKit owners must also have an Apple TV, iPad, or HomePod serving as a Home hub.

Another bundled item — the DoorSense — is mounted next to the Pro, and detects whether a door is open and closed, not simply whether the lock is activated.

August's app lets people assign owners, guests, and temporary keys, and also links with the company's Doorbell Cam and/or Smart Keypad accessories. The latter two aren't HomeKit-compatible, though an update should eventually arrive for the Doorbell Cam Pro.

The Smart Lock Pro includes its own customizable auto-lock/unlock functions, based on timers and geofencing. Through HomeKit though it can be integrated into more complex scenes, for example turning on lights and fans when someone returns home.

Keep tabs on AppleInsider for a full review, coming soon.

Update: August says it has yet to announce plans for HomeKit support on the Doorbell Cam Pro.

8 Comments

mikethemartian 1485 comments · 18 Years

About 7 years ago

Why do they only provide the thumb latch side of the lock and not the external half? I would prefer to have the external half with a backup keypad built in instead of buying the keypad as a separate accessory.

justinpe 32 comments · 10 Years

mikethemartian said:

Why do they only provide the thumb latch side of the lock and not the external half? I would prefer to have the external half with a backup keypad built in instead of buying the keypad as a separate accessory.

That way you don't have to change your current keys, which is especially helpful if you have a dead bolt/knob lock combo that uses the same key for both locks. Your current key IS your backup if the batteries die or the lock fails for any other reason. It also keeps your hardware matching on the exterior.

WTimberman 47 comments · 7 Years

I bought the first HomeKit-compatible August Smart Lock, and have been very happy with it. At the time, August was promising a HomeKit-compatible doorbell cam, which I was eagerly awaiting, and have been awaiting for nearly a year now. I don't think we're going to see one, especially now that August has been bought out. I even wonder whether or not they'll continue supporting the existing Smart Lock installations. I'd assume so, but these days, buying a start-up's hardware is inevitably an iffy proposition.

justinpe said:

mikethemartian said:

Why do they only provide the thumb latch side of the lock and not the external half? I would prefer to have the external half with a backup keypad built in instead of buying the keypad as a separate accessory.

That way you don't have to change your current keys, which is especially helpful if you have a dead bolt/knob lock combo that uses the same key for both locks. Your current key IS your backup if the batteries die or the lock fails for any other reason. It also keeps your hardware matching on the exterior.

But you can also mechanically set many locks on the market to use the same key without calling a locksmith.

folk fountain 27 comments · 10 Years

mikethemartian said:

justinpe said:

mikethemartian said:

Why do they only provide the thumb latch side of the lock and not the external half? I would prefer to have the external half with a backup keypad built in instead of buying the keypad as a separate accessory.

That way you don't have to change your current keys, which is especially helpful if you have a dead bolt/knob lock combo that uses the same key for both locks. Your current key IS your backup if the batteries die or the lock fails for any other reason. It also keeps your hardware matching on the exterior.

But you can also mechanically set many locks on the market to use the same key without calling a locksmith.

That assumes that the key blanks are the same between your current lock and whatever key blank August would have chosen to use in their locks. I chose August specifically because it did not change the locking mechanism and because I don't want a keypad. Perhaps there is room in the market for different products for different people. Perhaps all products were not made for you.