It is over, mate. Took them long enough to learn the lesson.
Apple CarPlay Is Free for BMW Owners, Starting Now
That whole $80-a-year charge for a thing other automakers don't charge for? It's over.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple's Digital Car Key Coming to Broad Array of BMW Models Manufactured After July 1, Requires iOS 13.6
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I can’t remember ever getting a new feature in a software update for a vehicle. I’m sure it happens. I know Tesla does it regularly, but I don’t really consider them to work in the same way as the rest of the auto industry.
This is ridiculous lol. This should be able to retro to older BMW models. Guess this won't work in my 2016 F26 X4.
I‘ve had my 2020 8 series for under 6 months and was hoping to get CarKey too. Weird that past iOS 13.6 leaks featured the i8 which is old hat compared to the new 8 series. I’m disappointed
I really like this and I hope all (OK how about many) vehicle manufactures jump on board quickly.
Wasn’t that scrapped in the meantime? I hope I’d not have been making this up for myself?
Sorry, but it should be pretty clear from the BMW quote in the article:
I’m having a 5 series from 2018. I’m just a little disappointed: this is not really a major addition to my already comfortable life, to be honest.
Last edited:
I find it rather interesting that BMW doesn't include their i-series electric cars in the list of supported models. Seems to be among the only models they left out, even. I'm rather curious why, especially since the i-series are extremely connected cars. Not quite Tesla-level connected, but they definitely are very app-centric and already rather controllable via mobile.
Particularly surprised the very expensive i8 isn't included; you'd think that one would be packed with everything.
Particularly surprised the very expensive i8 isn't included; you'd think that one would be packed with everything.
It should just sense the phone in the car, as it does my keyfob. I can start my car today without taking anything out of my pocket. Why do I have to place the phone in a certain spot?
"BMW is excited to announce the availability of Digital Key for iPhone in 45 countries for a broad range of models: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M and Z4 if manufactured after July 1st 2020. Compatible iPhone models will be iPhone XR, iPhone XS or newer and Apple Watch Series 5 or newer".
Seriously, has to be manufactured after July 1st, 2020? So my 2020 model is not new enough? Its got to be iPhone XR or XS. What kind of B.S. is that? I'm already tired of Apple playing around with their consumers with outdated tech. Give me what I want, not what you think I need. That goes to you too B.M.W.
How is the trunk release, and kick to open tailgate going to work? Guess will have to kick the iPhone.
Seriously, has to be manufactured after July 1st, 2020? So my 2020 model is not new enough? Its got to be iPhone XR or XS. What kind of B.S. is that? I'm already tired of Apple playing around with their consumers with outdated tech. Give me what I want, not what you think I need. That goes to you too B.M.W.
How is the trunk release, and kick to open tailgate going to work? Guess will have to kick the iPhone.
The NFC hardware is already in the Tesla Model 3/Y, Apple Pay even pops up when I put my phone over the NFC reader. I think it's just a matter of Tesla and Apple working together to enable that functionality.
ahh.. bmw and mercedes were mr jobs prefered rides - cool he leased the cars so he could get a different models
Pulling out your phone to unlock the car (as demo'd in the keynote) is no different that pulling out a physical key. Until 3.0 comes out which adds BLE to NFC this is DOA IMO. Why pull out my phone to hit an NFC tag when I can keep my fob in my pocket and unlock the car by pulling the door handle? Only works with cars that have Comfort Access (or similar if non-BMW). My cars since 2015 have all had comfort access, having to pull my phone out of my pocket would be a big step backwards. My understanding is when 3.0 comes out you will be able to keep your phone in your pocket, purse, backpack, etc.
Its a place to start, I get that, but if you already have comfort access (or similar) your not missing much here. Sure, being able to send a digital key might be handy but only in very limited circumstances.
Its a place to start, I get that, but if you already have comfort access (or similar) your not missing much here. Sure, being able to send a digital key might be handy but only in very limited circumstances.
Agreed. They need to follow the Tesla model. Phone in pocket, walk up to the car, and the door unlocks. Taking my phone out of my pocket to push it against the door handle seems worse then the BMW key fob in in pocket and the door just opens when you touch the handle.
After looking in my car's menu I have a feeling this is going to work for more cars than BMW it letting on. I think they may mean -all- cars from July 1 but if you have certain options you may be good to go. Looking in the menu Digital Key is referenced and clicking through to set it up it instructs you to put the mobile phone in the mobile phone tray. I have Comfort Access with the wireless charging mobile phone tray in my M340i.
As to the phone vrs the key fob vrs the key card as imola.zhp mentions above - I'd love to not have to carry around the darn fob sometimes and if it means I have to take out my phone I'm good with that. Yes, would be nice to have the phone act as the proximity key ala the fob but hopefully that will come.
As to the phone vrs the key fob vrs the key card as imola.zhp mentions above - I'd love to not have to carry around the darn fob sometimes and if it means I have to take out my phone I'm good with that. Yes, would be nice to have the phone act as the proximity key ala the fob but hopefully that will come.
Last edited:
I hope you're right. My 8 is barely 6 months old and BMW haven't updated the car so on the surface I don't see why a latest-get pre 1 July car can't use CarKey. Having an Apple Watch to unlock the car instead of the giant Digital Key would be very convenient.
My understanding is 3.0 (next generation) will include BLE (bluetooth low energy) as well as NFC so this can happen. But they are releasing with 2.0 which only uses NFC, should have kept 2.0 as a second beta, in my opinion, and waited for 3.0 to release to the public. Its DOA for me.
BMW has just announced in a press release that cars with System 7 like the 8 series will get the update for free in Q3 2020. Hurrah!
www.press.bmwgroup.com
BMW Connected Car Beta Days 2020: July will bring a comprehensive software upgrade with numerous new services.
New services such as the cloud-based navigation BMW Maps and an update for the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.