Home automation company, August, first announced its Smart Lock back in May 2013, a keyless entry system that works by using Bluetooth LE in your smartphone. We’ve heard of internet-connected locks before, we’re just still not ready to fully entrust the security of our home or belongings on something we don’t manually control. Noke and Lockitron, both funded on Kickstarter, did amazingly well in gaining crowdfunding money to develop their products. However, Lockitron never shipped in substantial numbers, and we’re still waiting for Noke to be ready for consumers. So what’s different about the August Smart Lock? It’s been successful for more than a year and we’re still waiting for it. Turns out, August has finally “worked out all the kinks and lined up distribution to make its smart lock available to consumers”, and Apple could be a possible influence in its reputation.

The lock, which can automatically lock and unlock when you come and go, is an aluminum cylinder that, instead of forcing you to change your locks and piss off your landlord, simply “attaches to the back of the door’s deadbolt”. Clear instructions include the lock itself as well as a Philips head screwdriver. The device only needs four AA batteries to run for an entire year.

Features include the ability to prompt an unlock when an authorized person approaches, adding multiple locks to multiple homes, as well as sharing of this virtual key. Got a friend watching your house or feeding your dog? August Smart Lock can shortcut the planning process. Because it’s controlled by a smartphone, the user can share virtual keys to those they trust most. Additionally, access levels are also up to you. So, your sitter can have designated dates, while your bestie can be on the “always” list.

Operated via iOS and Android app, August Smart Lock works by tapping into your smartphone’s Bluetooth LE for operation. It’s sleek exterior was designed by Yves Behar, August co-founder, and also designer of the Jawbone UP24. It’s motor drive (the part that pushes the lock into the frame) is the main reason the company hasn’t made the lock available yet. It is necessary that the drive proves strong enough for all doors. Jason Johnson, CEO and co-founder of the company said, “We had a product a year ago we felt pretty good about, but realized we could do better. We could make this more powerful”.

In the decision to take the time to ensure a reliable product, August is finally available to the public. But, at a whopping $250, will this be for everyone? It’s hard to tell. However, some good news for the company involves being in the good graces of Apple. It turns out, not only will the smart lock be sold in the Apple Store, it has been partnered with Apple’s HomeKit (Forbes). Also, look out for August’s name in other smart home platforms. August is already working on compatibility with the Nest smart thermostat in the company’s open API program. Here, communication between the two devices could call for an automatic temperature adjustment when a person enters a home.