[kormax]

Hi, I'm the author behind the article referenced in this post.

As far as I know, Ubiquiti is not responsible for this 5$ per year "tax".

Apple takes about 3$ per user per year for usage of "Apple Access Platform", and the rest is spent for licensing the credential technology, like to NXP for Mifare DESFire in this case.

[kormax]

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.

[ValentineC]

This is amazing. :) Small world!

I was testing my new Hikvision keypad against every card I have and wondering if I could use Apple Express Transit, when I stumbled upon your writeup. Looking forward to trying out a T-Union card later!