Digital car keys are becoming more common, but they’re about to get some high-profile support from Apple.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple released a beta version of iOS 13.4 to developers and it mentions a new CarKey function for the iPhone and Watch.
As the name suggests, it will enable users to lock, unlock and start compatible vehicles via near field communication (NFC) technology. In the release, Apple noted users would simply have to hold their iPhone or Watch up to the NFC reader and it would automatically work without having to use Face ID. The company also noted users can “change express mode settings in [the] Wallet [app].”
Also Read: Digital Keys Are Getting Smarter, Will Provide Access Even If Your Smartphone Is Dead
Besides allowing owners to access their car without a physical key, it will enable them to give access to friends and family. As the publication noted, there’s a reference to a feature which would allow owners to invite others to lock and unlock their vehicle.
While it will likely be some time before iOS 13.4 is released to the public, it appears CarKey is a direct result of Apple’s involvement in the Car Connectivity Consortium. The group – which has over a 100 members including BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes, PSA, Renault, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo – released Digital Key 1.0 back in 2018.
Since then, they’ve been working to finalize the 2.0 specification will use a new “scalable architecture to support mass adoption.” The new spec uses NFC, but it incorporates a separate security chip. Besides improving security, it will allow the digital key to be used when a smartphone’s battery is so low that it can’t be started.
The Consortium is also working on a 3.0 specification which will use Bluetooth Low Energy and Ultra-Wideband technology. This promises to make digital keys far more user friendly as people will no longer have to pull out their smartphone and hold it next to the door handle. Instead, they can simply leave it in their pocket or purse.
