New Level Lock complete smart lock package with HomeKit arrives

On Tuesday, Level introduced its latest HomeKit-enabled smart lock — branded simply as Level Lock — and has a tiny form factor and fits between Level's existing smart lock solutions.

Level Lock is an all-in-one lock solution that includes the lock hardware as well as the smart components. It has a smaller footprint than previous models and Level claims that it is the smallest smart lock ever made.

From the outside, Level Lock looks like a standard deadbolt. The new model still fits all the smarts necessary for HomeKit control as well as Amazon Alexa into the smaller size.

"Smart home products are a frustrating trade-off, where consumers have to choose between technology or a thoughtful design," said John Martin, Level co-founder and CEO. "With a timeless design and advanced technology packed under the surface, the Level Lock lets consumers have it all. As the third option added to the Level product portfolio, we have expanded the range of invisible smart entry products designed to fit consumers' home designs, access needs, and family lifestyles."

Users can to lock and unlock the Level Lock via Siri from an iPhone or Apple Watch, or include the Level Lock in scenes. HomeKit also allows the Level Lock automatically unlock or lock as your arrive or leave.

Like the other Level products, it is made secure with 440C stainless steel and is BHMA AAA-certified for the highest quality security, durability, and reliability standards.

Level Lock fits in the middle of Level's lineup. It is priced at $249 and sits above the standard Level Bolt that just includes the smart components without any door hardware at $199 and the Level Touch at $329 which has touch-sensitive door hardware.

The Level Lock is now available direct from Level's website for $249. It is available in matte black, satin nickel, satin chrome, and polished brass.

Keep up with everything Apple in the weekly AppleInsider Podcast — and get a fast news update from AppleInsider Daily. Just say, "Hey, Siri," to your HomePod mini and ask for these podcasts, and our latest HomeKit Insider episode too.

If you want an ad-free main AppleInsider Podcast experience, you can support the AppleInsider podcast by subscribing for $5 per month through Apple's Podcasts app, or via Patreon if you prefer any other podcast player.

AppleInsider is also bringing you the best Apple-related deals for Amazon Prime Day 2021. There are bargains before, during, and even after Prime Day on June 21 and 22 — with every deal at your fingertips throughout the event.

Latest Exclusives

Latest comparisons

13 Comments

mike1 3437 comments · 10 Years

About 3 years ago

AppleInsider said:

Users can to lock and unlock the Level Lock via Siri from an iPhone or Apple Watch, or include the Level Lock in scenes. HomeKit also allows the Level Lock automatically unlock or lock as your arrive or leave.
I thought HomeKit didn't allow Siri to unlock doors as a safety feature. (Preventing someone from yelling into an open window to unlock the front door.)

Useless Message Poster 11 comments · 5 Years

I can tell you it does - had the "base" level lock for months now - solid product. I'm wondering how Level will work with the new way of unlocking your house via the wallet that rolls out with IOS 15.

jhollington 16 comments · 16 Years

mike1 said:

I thought HomeKit didn't allow Siri to unlock doors as a safety feature. (Preventing someone from yelling into an open window to unlock the front door.)

You can unlock with Siri, but you have to do so on an authenticated device like an unlocked iPhone or an Apple Watch with Wrist Detection on.

If you call out "Hey Siri" to a HomePod, it will ask you to authenticate on your iPhone using Face ID, Touch ID, or your password before the door gets unlocked.

I'm more curious how Level is going to allow users to automatically unlock upon returning home. The article says it uses HomeKit for that, but it's not really something that HomeKit supports. Geofencing can't be used to unlock a door, since HomeKit requires authentication to do so, and even so, unless Bluetooth proximity is involved it's not a good idea for most people as it's not nearly precise enough — you probably don't want your door unlocking automatically when you're still several hundred feet away from your house. Other locks like August use their own apps with a combination of geofencing and Bluetooth proximity so it only unlocks when you're reasonably close by.

CloudTalkin 916 comments · 5 Years

"Nothing on 1, nothing on 2, a small click out of 3, 4 is binding..."
-LPL

insync88 30 comments · 6 Years

jhollington said:

mike1 said:

I thought HomeKit didn't allow Siri to unlock doors as a safety feature. (Preventing someone from yelling into an open window to unlock the front door.)

You can unlock with Siri, but you have to do so on an authenticated device like an unlocked iPhone or an Apple Watch with Wrist Detection on.

If you call out "Hey Siri" to a HomePod, it will ask you to authenticate on your iPhone using Face ID, Touch ID, or your password before the door gets unlocked.

I'm more curious how Level is going to allow users to automatically unlock upon returning home. The article says it uses HomeKit for that, but it's not really something that HomeKit supports. Geofencing can't be used to unlock a door, since HomeKit requires authentication to do so, and even so, unless Bluetooth proximity is involved it's not a good idea for most people as it's not nearly precise enough — you probably don't want your door unlocking automatically when you're still several hundred feet away from your house. Other locks like August use their own apps with a combination of geofencing and Bluetooth proximity so it only unlocks when you're reasonably close by.

Level (using level bolt) uses geofencing and Bluetooth through its own app.I had it set up through HomeKit (using a scene) but it would always ask to authenticate,with the level app my door unlocks automatically once I’m in Bluetooth range.