iPhone users can start and unlock their cars using their phones
Apple will soon introduce a feature called CarKey on its iOS software. It will integrate the functions of your regular car keys into your phone along with some other features. The first car that would support this feature will be the 2021 BMW 5 series.
The feature allows your phone to be used as a key for your car, customers can unlock the car and place the iPhone in the smartphone tray to start the engine and get going. The digital key can be configured through the BMW Smartphone App and it can be shared with up to five friends. It also lets the customer control other facilities of the car like restricting the top speed, maximum radio volume, horsepower and more.
The management of access can be done through Apple Wallet and from inside the car as well. Additionally, the Digital key will be compatible with Apple Watch and there is a power reserve of five hours even after the phone turns off due to low battery, the digital key will still be functional.
Apple and BMW have been working with the Car Connectivity Consortium(CCC) to press ahead with the establishment of global standards. The Digital Key specification 2.0 for NFC was released in May 2020 and the next generation Digital key using the Ultra-Wideband technology is already in process. The Digital key feature will be available in 45 countries on models like 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 8 Series, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M and Z4. All the above-mentioned models will have the feature if they are manufactured after July 1, 2020.
Apple announced that it is already working with the auto industry to make the feature for more cars and expand the system with other manufacturers. The company is also working to make the same feature possible without taking the phone out of your pocket or bag.
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