At CES 2022 this week, lock manufacturer Schlage announced it is launching the first lock in North America to support Apple’s Home Key. The Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt is an updated version of the popular Schlage Encode WiFi smart lock, adding an NFC chip for the Home Key function, as well as a Thread radio to support HomeKit over Thread.

Home Key, introduced with iOS 15, lets you store a digital door key in your Apple Wallet and lock and unlock your door by tapping your device on the lock, similar to how Apple Pay or Apple Transit works. The system uses the iPhone’s or Apple Watch’s NFC chip to authenticate a user. [1]

Figure 1. The Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Schlage

Figure 1 shows the Schlage Encode Plus will be available in spring 2022 for $300 (that Plus moniker comes with a $50 price hike from the original Encode). The Schlage Sense, a HomeKit-only lock that doesn’t support Home Key, is still available for $200. [1]

The same unique and highly rated features developed with Schlage's original WiFi-enabled lock are available through the Schlage Home app:

• Homeowners will enjoy being able to check the status of their deadbolt and lock/unlock the deadbolt remotely from their phone.
• Homeowners can create and manage up to 100 access codes from the app, as well as set schedules for those codes for recurring, temporary or permanent access.
• Real-time activity logs make it easier to know when a code has been used, and customizable push notifications provide an added layer of security and peace of mind.
• Pairing the Schlage Encode Plus deadbolt with the Schlage Home app allows homeowners to use Alexa or Google Assistant to securely control their lock via voice. [3]

Control and monitor from anywhere.

Use the Schlage Home app on your smartphone to lock/unlock your door from anywhere, no additional accessory or hub required. You specify who has access and when by setting up to 100 permanent, recurring or temporary lock codes that you can change as you see fit or by sending virtual keys to trusted guests via text or email.

Easy to install and get connected.

There’s no need to purchase an extra accessory or hub to control your lock from anywhere. With built-in WiFi, it connects directly to your home’s network just like your laptop, making it easy and intuitive to use. It’s a snap to install yourself and features built-in alarm technology and a low battery indicator that offers advanced warning for battery replacement. [2]

References:

1. https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/4/22860197/apple-home-key-schlage-encode-plus-smart-door-lock-thread-ces2022
2. https://www.schlage.com/en/home/smart-locks/encode.html
3. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ces-2022-introducing-schlage-encode-plus-smart-wifi-deadbolt--a-trusted-solution-for-apples-new-home-keys-experience-301453042.html

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Schlage, pp. 115