Do Level locks or the Level Keypad work with Apple Home Key?

On our most recent IoT Podcast, Billy called in with a HomeKit question. He has a Level Bolt lock and is interested in the recently released Level Keypad. Billy wants to know if the Level Keypad might be able to use Apple’s Home Key technology that locks or unlocks by putting an Apple Watch or iPhone next to it.

Unfortunately, Billy is likely out of luck. At least with the Level Keypad, that is.

The product page states that this wireless keypad has a Bluetooth radio. That’s what allows it to work with the existing Level lock product line. Apple’s Home Key technology uses NFC, which the Level Keypad doesn’t have. Nor does the Level Bolt, which is likely why Billy is asking the question.

The Level Lock Touch Edition actually does have an NFC chip inside it. So, theoretically, it could work with Apple Home Key. Currently, however, neither Apple nor Level have announced support.

We asked Level if it plans to add Home Key to the Touch Edition, but the company said it had no news to share at this time. Given that Level was started by two former Apple employees, we wouldn’t be surprised to see HomeKit support added. But there’s no guarantee, of course.

As a fellow smart home owner that wants to use Apple Home Key, I’m in the market for a new smart lock. Billy and I area bit early though. To date, only two Home Key-compatible locks have been announced. And neither is available for sale quite yet.

There’s the Aqara A100 with Home Key support, expected some time this year and the Schlage Encode Plus with Home Key support that’s hitting store shelves soon. So Billy (and I ) have to wait either for the new locks or for Level to announce Home Key support.

To hear Billy’s question, as well as our full conversation on the topic, tune in to the IoT Podcast below.