Schlage’s HomeKit-connected deadbolt lock points toward a keyless future

It’s not easy to get excited about a connected door lock, but Schlage’s new Apple HomeKit-connected deadbolt is surprisingly functional, and it points toward a future in which we don’t need keys.

Keys are one of the small things we simply can’t leave (or return) home without, but it’s not always going to be that way. I’m looking forward to a time when one of our personal devices — preferably a watch — will control our various locks. When you think about it, metal keys are so 19th century.

Schlage’s new Sense Smart Deadbolt is a connected lock, meaning that it can be controlled by authenticated commands transmitted to it wirelessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It is one of a small, but growing, set of Apple HomeKit-certified products, which can be controlled by the phone app, in concert with other connected devices around the home (lights, appliances, security, etc.).

Schlage says the lock provides end-to-end encryption and authentication between the lock and iPhones, iPads, or iPod touches. If the lock is within range of an Apple TV, it can be controlled with an app even when the user is not home.

The lock can hold 30 key codes, and features a built-in alarm system.

The $230 Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt was introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show early this year, and finally set to go on sale November 1st at Lowe’s and Home Depot stores, and on THD.com, Lowes.com, Amazon.com and Build.com.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said the Schlage lock does not interoperate with the Apple Watch. As Schlage points out, it does. We regret the error.