Re:Using your Apple device as an access card in unsupported ...
by kormax on Sunday January 19, 2025 @01:37PM
(#42760043)
They could not implement "Home Key", because Apple requires that compatible devices are implemented as a single unit, containing reader + lock.
This limitation was added precisely as to prevent HomeKey from cannibalizing that sweet recurring revenue from "Apple Access Platform" targeted at business customers, as companies want detached readers which can be hooked into existing PACS architectures.
There was a device which did not follow that rule - the Aqara U200 but it seems like they had spent a lot of time arguing with Apple to get approval, as there were multiple occasions where they promised HomeKey (thus generating lots of hype and pressure), and then came back on that promise. Although they delivered on it in the end, good for them.
This limitation was added precisely as to prevent HomeKey from cannibalizing that sweet recurring revenue from "Apple Access Platform" targeted at business customers, as companies want detached readers which can be hooked into existing PACS architectures.
There was a device which did not follow that rule - the Aqara U200 but it seems like they had spent a lot of time arguing with Apple to get approval, as there were multiple occasions where they promised HomeKey (thus generating lots of hype and pressure), and then came back on that promise. Although they delivered on it in the end, good for them.