August Launches $229 Smart Lock With HomeKit Support and Updated Design

August Home today began shipping its second-generation Smart Lock, which includes support for Apple's HomeKit platform and lets users unlock their doors with simple commands like, "Hey Siri, unlock my front door." August announced the new Smart Lock back in October, revealing that the newly redesigned lock, as well as the free August app, can let users unlock and lock their doors while they're away to let visitors inside, and double check the status of their home's security.

august smart lock

Image via CNET
Today's announcement brings news that those interested can buy the new Smart Lock from both Amazon and Best Buy, in addition to August's online storefront. As confirmed last year, August's lock can integrate with other HomeKit apps like Insteon+, Lutron, and iDevices, that can be customized to turn lights on or off as users unlock or lock their doors.

A couple of early reviews praise the Siri integration of the Smart Lock, as well as the improved design and largely seamless set-up process. According to CNET, the inside-only installation required of August's upgraded device is also a major plus, with the discreet lock ensuring that no one on the outside of your house knows you have a Smart Lock.

“We are committed to providing value by partnering with companies such as Apple to deliver the features our customers are asking for, including HomeKit integration and support for Siri voice commands,” said Jason Johnson, CEO of August Home Inc. “We will continue to develop best-in-class products and partner with leading smart home companies to add convenience to consumer’s daily lives and new smart security features that are an essential element of the connected home.”

In addition to the August Smart Lock, which costs $229, the company sells the August Smart Keypad ($79) and August Doorbell Cam ($199) to further increase the security and protection of a home. Besides the free iOS app for the August Smart Lock, the company also has an Apple Watch app to receive instant notifications about your door's security, and unlock and lock it from your wrist.

Before purchasing, August recommends users double check that their door's deadbolt lock is listed as compatible with the company's hardware on this list.

Tags: HomeKit Guide, August Smart Lock, August

Top Rated Comments

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kwikdeth

46 months ago

Does this mean I can tell Siri "open the pod bay doors please Ha, I mean, Siri..."

Rating: 3 Votes

Pafoofnik

46 months ago

I found the review done by Mr. Locksmith ('//www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSgXyMJT8C8') on youtube of this product to be quite enlightening.

First, this is not a lock. It's a mechanism that is attached to certain existing deadbolt locks. If you have a crappy deadbolt, it'll still be one even with this device attached.

During the review, the device began to fail after a few lockings/unlockings.

Rating: 3 Votes

ArtOfWarfare

46 months ago

Most people have friends with a spare key, or hide one somewhere outside of the house.

It doesn't look like it has any physical controls though. No keyhole outside. No knob on the inside. Your iPhone is either able to connect and lock/unlock it, or you're SOL if you want to lock or unlock your door.

The smart lock only replaces the interior half of your deadbolt, so the exterior half still uses the existing keyhole. You can carry a key on your person just for emergency use, or hide the key elsewhere to let yourself in.

Ok, I understand now. That's neat. I don't think I want it at that price though.

Rating: 2 Votes

Corrode

46 months ago

It would be cool if this used NFC so you could unlock it with your phone or watch like a key fob. Otherwise I don't know how much value this would add vs a key.

Rating: 2 Votes

ArtOfWarfare

46 months ago

And when your iPhone dies... you're simply locked out of your house?

Rating: 2 Votes

godslabrat

46 months ago

Love the idea of a smart lock, but they all seem to have glaring design flaws. Either the lock itself is vulnerable (Kevo), it can't reliably turn the deadbolt (1st gen August), or the developers are outright lying about what it can and can't do, and the thing ends up never even seeing the light of day (Goji). I'll be watching this new August, but so far, I'm not seeing anything new here.

The market exists for this product, but it has to be done right. People aren't going to dick around about the lock that secures their house. Oh, and while you're at it, just use AC power and stop relying on batteries for a device that is battery-hungry.

Rating: 2 Votes

Soba

46 months ago

And when your iPhone dies... you're simply locked out of your house?

Rating: 1 Votes

LordBeelzebub

46 months ago

Laziness don't come cheap it seems. Heaven forbid it takes you 2-5 seconds to unlock a lock an actual key. While I love the advancement of technology, some things are unnecessary and ridiculous.

Rating: 1 Votes

Zorn

46 months ago

I had the August when it first came out. The thing I liked best was being able to have the door automatically unlock when I walked up to it - when it worked, which wasn't 100%. I got rid of it because I got really tired of waiting for this delayed HomeKit version. They announced this at or around CES I believe and it was to ship in early Feb, but for some unknown reason it was delayed until now.

I went with the Schlage Sense and I actually like it a lot. It gives me the HomeKit integration, but also comes with the keypad built in. It's great for if I want to give someone access, I can just program a temporary code, which almost anyone understands and is comfortable with. For August, anyone who wants a key has to register for a cumbersome user account with the app, it even requires them to take/set a photo. I don't really see the advantage to August at $229, vs. the Schlage Sense at $249 when you consider that the Schlage comes with a keypad, it's a separate $79 purchase with August.

Rating: 1 Votes