This article takes a closer look at what the lock may be like and what impact it may create for the home and B2B markets.
Apple is reportedly developing a smart lock with facial recognition capabilities. The move represents the tech giant’s latest effort to make inroads into the home arena. This article takes a closer look at what the lock may be like and what impact it may create for the home and B2B markets.
Apple is reportedly developing a smart lock that supports facial recognition. A smart lock is a lock that does not operate with traditional mechanical keys; rather, it works by way of one or a combination authentication methods including keyfobs, passcodes and biometrics. Most biometric authenticators on smart locks today are fingerprint-based. A facial recognition-enabled smart lock would be more frictionless, allowing residents to enter homes with more ease.
That said, Apple is developing a smart lock and doorbell system that would allow a person to automatically open their home's door with the scan of their face,
reports Business Insider, citing Bloomberg. The smart lock-doorbell system could work with existing third-party locks, or Apple could partner with one lock provider to sell a complete product, the Business Insider report said. The technology is in early stages and could be released at the end of 2025 at the earliest, and Apple did not comment, the report said.
Face recognition smart locks in the market
The Apple smart lock – if ever launched – would not be the first of its kind in the market. Primax Electronics, for example, has released their
WallE-S 3D Face Recognition Wi-Fi Smart Lock that features 3D structured-light facial recognition, enables a frictionless consumer experience and integrates with video recording. RogersAI has released an
AI-based access control terminal that authenticates with people’s facial depth features, offering the advantages of spoofing avoidance, full functionality even in low illumination, and privacy protection.
Then there’s
Lockly’s Visage smart lock, which the company first introduced in CES 2024 and officially launched in September. The lock is billed as an industry first consumer smart lock with facial recognition, which works by way of dual infrared sensors to ensure it works in any lighting condition, even at night. Also according to their website, the facial recognition data is encrypted and securely stored in the lock to guarantee privacy.
Minimal impact to B2B market
If launched, the Apple smart lock would create minimal impact on the B2B market. The lock seemingly targets the home market, and as such would compete with the likes of Lockly as well as Google and Amazon, which mostly target DIY users seeking to buy and install smart locks for their individual houses. And Apple will indeed have a strong advantage in this market as they can cross-sell the lock with the iPhone or Apple Watch, which already have a large customer base. Apple is also strong in privacy protection which appeals to consumers. On the other hand, most condos, multiple dwelling units (MDUs) and apartments have individual units preinstalled with smart locks that come from SIs or other B2B suppliers. This business model is not expected to change any time soon, whether Apple launches the smart lock or not.