Last month, Apple announced that its CarKey feature will arrive with the iOS 14 as well as the iOS 13 update. The new feature lets users use their iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock, lock, and start a car. A week after the announcement, BMW added Digital Key support to its BMW Connected app.
Ahead of the arrival of the CarKey feature, we've broken down its options, compatibility, and availability below.
How does it work
The pairing process is done through the Wallet app, which means users cab store "digital keys" within the Wallet app, allowing them to lock, unlock or start their vehicles with an iPhone or Apple Watch.
As demonstrated during the WWDC 2020 keynote, drivers can hold their device close to the car’s door handle to unlock it using NFC technology.
Once inside the vehicle, the driver needs to put their device in the NFC reader or wireless charger to start the car. Starting next year, users with an iPhone 11 or later won't even need to take their device out of their pocket to start the vehicle.
CarKey can be shared with other people via iMessage, such as family members.
When will it be available?
The feature will be available as part of the iOS 14 release. However, 9to5Mac reports that it will also be available to users this month with the iOS 13.6. As yet, Apple hasn't announced a specified release date.
What devices does it work with?
CarKey is compatible with the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd gen),and the Apple Watch Series 5.
