Yale today announced the launch of the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus, its latest smart lock that has HomeKit integration and Apple Home Key support. With Home Key integration in the Wallet app, an iPhone or an Apple Watch can be used to unlock the door with just a tap.
The Assure Lock 2 Plus is a keyless entry lock, which means it does not have a backup key option. Aside from Home Key, it can be accessed with HomeKit commands or entry codes. The entry codes can be used to provide guests with access, and there is an optional Wi-Fi module for remote access to the lock.
Yale today also debuted the Assure Lock 2 Touch, a $199 smart lock that has a fingerprint sensor and HomeKit integration, but no support for Home Key. Yale does not offer a lock that provides both Home Key support and a fingerprint sensor, so those interested in a Yale lock will need to choose.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus with Home Key is priced at $210 for Bluetooth connectivity, or $290 for Wi-Fi support. The Wi-Fi models require a 2.4GHz network.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch is priced at $199 for the Bluetooth version, with both keyed and key-free models available. A version with Wi-Fi connectivity is priced at $280.
Thursday January 29, 2026 10:07 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today confirmed to Reuters that it has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli startup that is working on artificial intelligence technology for audio.
Apple paid close to $2 billion for Q.ai, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone and audio brand Beats in 2014.
Q.ai has...
Saturday January 31, 2026 10:51 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple recently updated its online store with a new ordering process for Macs, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro.
There used to be a handful of standard configurations available for each Mac, but now you must configure a Mac entirely from scratch on a feature-by-feature basis. In other words, ordering a new Mac now works much like ordering an...
A newly surfaced resale operation is seemingly offering Apple Store–exclusive display accessories to the public for the first time, potentially giving consumers access to Apple-designed hardware that the company has historically kept confined to its retail environments.
Apple designs a range of premium MagSafe charging stands, display trays, and hardware systems exclusively for displays in ...
Tuesday January 27, 2026 2:39 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Update: Apple Creator Studio is now available.
Apple Creator Studio launches this Wednesday, January 28. The all-in-one subscription provides access to the Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year.
A subscription to Apple Creator Studio also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium...
Monday January 26, 2026 1:55 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch.
Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More
Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided...
I love my Schlage encode plus. This is a stupid move from Yale, I don’t know how anyone can rely on an electronic home lock without having a physical key backup. Have I needed mine yet in over a year of ownership? No, but what happens when I do? I’ll be fine. Will you?
I love my Schlage encode plus. This is a stupid move from Yale, I don’t know how anyone can rely on an electronic home lock without having a physical key backup. Have I needed mine yet in over a year of ownership? No, but what happens when I do? I’ll be fine. Will you?
I’ve had a Yale Assure SL for over 5 years. Lock batteries easily last for 12 months, and you get plenty of warning when they run low. If you somehow let the batteries drain, there are two contacts on the underside of the keypad to jam a 9V battery, to power the lock (available 24 hours a day at the local pharmacy). Physical keys are obsolete.
