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Apple Preparing to Add Support for Digital Car Keys on MINI Vehicles

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Apple is preparing to begin supporting digital car keys in the Wallet app for certain MINI vehicles, allowing owners to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles using a pass stored in the Wallet app on the iPhone or Apple Watch.

mini-oled-display.jpg

MINI's parent company BMW was the first manufacturer to launch digital car keys in Wallet back in 2020, but it wasn't until earlier today that Apple Pay configuration files were updated to specifically list MINI among supported brands, as spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.

Several months ago, MINI unveiled its next-generation MINI Operating System 9, which includes MINI Digital Key Plus. The feature will support Ultra Wideband on both iOS and Android, allowing the user to access the vehicle without having to remove their phone from their pocket or bag.

MINI Operating System 9 will run on the auto industry's first large circular OLED display known as the MINI Interaction Unit, a customizable 9.4-inch screen mounted prominently in the center of the dashboard with colorful and immersive themes available to help personalize the vehicle.

The new MINI Interaction Unit with MINI Operating System 9 and MINI Digital Key Plus recently debuted in the new all-electric MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman, with both vehicles launching next year.

Article Link: Apple Preparing to Add Support for Digital Car Keys on MINI Vehicles
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2023/11/17/apple-digital-car-key-mini-vehicles/
verniesgarden said:
Same. But I’m getting the feeling we won’t get any new information until spring.

Further out it goes the less likely anything on the road will get it as an update
Click to expand...

The LA auto show is today. I still have hope for at least a couple more hours.

But really, I’m getting the sense that this is abandonware. Will certainly be checking the website in January to see if the feature is removed or the “announcing in late 2023” copy is changed.
 
Implementation seems wrong if Apple needs to update the OS everytime a car manufacturer adds digital key support to a model.
 
Looks like Mini completely skipped Digital Key and is going directly to Digital Key Plus? Kinda weird because BMWs have had DK for years now and it seems like it would have been trivially easy for them to include DK on the Mini as well.
 
I’ve got a digital key that I’ve never used. Gotta be honest, I’m not sure what it’s for. The car opens and starts with the ‘normal’ car key in my pocket on the same keychain as my house keys. A friend who has a Tesla is forever locking himself out his house as he forgets to take his house key as he doesn’t pick up a physical car key when going on.

The only thing I might use it for is to share with somebody else. But then, who would that be?! Personally feels like a solution looking for a problem. Would be delighted to be told I’m wrong as I’d love to use it. 😂
 
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They’re pulling out all the features to get us to buy into this ugly new generation, I guess. *sigh* I was wondering why they never put them in the F-5x/60 lineup.
 
As per usual, a million years behind Tesla. Honestly, that's where most companies are failing. They let Tesla gain such a lead in software, that every time they put something like this out, it instantly looks like a Blackberry. They (the entire legacy automotive industry) made a huge mistake not taking Tesla seriously back in the day... and now they're paying for it. Literally.
 
I'm an old fogey so it bothers me that more and more things are put in the car to take your eyes off the road.

Sure, I have a travel GPS but it is up on the dash where I can look through it out the window. It is not a lower screen that requires me to look down to see it. That dial is up on the dash too, but why put things that you are not going to use often in prominent places?

And if a phone unlocks/starts your car with just proximity, wouldn't it do the same for someone who took your phone? If you have to unlock your phone for that function, why not just use a key - "Look Ma, no batteries required."

Yes, someone could steal my keyfob and unlock ... well, just about everything with the keys. So we are even there. I'd know about it and also where my keys/car/and wallet are. And I'd prefer the focus while driving be on driving and not so much involved with entertainment and gadgets that depend upon battery/charging for daily tasks.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
 
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Mac Fly (film) said:
Mini managed to give their new display a chin. And that interior loses much of the charm of prior mini interiors.
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We bought the final special edition Clubman this year - and I’m really bummed that they’re about to yassify the console for all the future cars. The switchgear and buttons in the interiors up till now have been one of my favourite things about BMW-era MINI (this is the second one we’ve had).
 
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That’s the first time I’ve ever seen a round display in a car lol. Mixed feelings about it but good it’s getting the new functionality. All cars should have it
 
kingjames1970 said:
I’ve got a digital key that I’ve never used. Gotta be honest, I’m not sure what it’s for. The car opens and starts with the ‘normal’ car key in my pocket on the same keychain as my house keys. A friend who has a Tesla is forever locking himself out his house as he forgets to take his house key as he doesn’t pick up a physical car key when going on.

The only thing I might use it for is to share with somebody else. But then, who would that be?! Personally feels like a solution looking for a problem. Would be delighted to be told I’m wrong as I’d love to use it. 😂
Click to expand...

Honestly digital keys are pretty great considering how gigantic car fobs have gotten over the past decade (plus they're water proof!). My Ford Mustang Mach-E has one (using bluetooth) and it's been reliable enough that I stopped carrying the key. Has a password backup if there is any issues.

I've never had a problem forgetting my house key as I still carry a normal keychain. It's just a lot lighter.
 
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