Apple's Digital Car Key Feature Will Soon Work With Your iPhone in Your Pocket

[827538]

Keyless cars are stolen all the time in our neighborhood. They usually do it with a relay/repeater. One person stands near the house door and picks up the car key signal which most people leave near the door. A second person stands near the car that picks up the relay and sends it to the car. Boom, car is unlocked and ready to start. These devices are not expensive. If you only use your phone as your key, your primary car keys can always be kept in a safe place, preferably an aluminum box.

Most new cars with keyless entry have introduced features to prevent relay attacks like disabling the signal after a period of not being moved. Also with the ultrawideband tracking it should be far more secure, there's no way they haven't developed the standard without relay attacks at the forefront of their mind.

Personally I keep my cars in a locked garage and there's also a gate to the property. If they get passed all of that then I probably have bigger issues. My Range Rover Sport also isn't susceptible to relay attacks.

 

[NastyMatt]

I like it (if secure) but not a deal breaker for me on a new car. Where as Apple CarPlay is a must!

 

[leepalisoc]

My car key lasts 4+ years on a single coin cell. No way am I risking getting stranded because my phone battery dies.

Why do people act like those who made this tech never did a single research on how to solve problems like this? Lmao

 

[827538]

You also lose access to you car when you lose your keys; you can’t pay for things when you lose your credit/debit cards; you can’t prove who you are when you also lose your IDs. What’s your point?

Exactly. Also I can get a new iPhone easier than new keys and cards and restore everything on it.

My Apple Watch goes from my bedside to my wrist then back to my bedside. The likelihood of losing it is extremely low compared to my wallet or keys.

 

[leepalisoc]

Just wait until you miss your first car payment.... then the bank will disable your phone key fob! You just KNOW apple is in bed with the banks/car dealerships working out those details.

Tell me you’re an American, without telling me you’re an American.

 

[827538]

Why do people act like those who made this tech never did a single research on how to solve problems like this? Lmao

This is a bit of a non issue as even if your phone or watch dies, you can still use keys for 5 hours or so after.

 

[_Spinn_]

This is great. I’m hoping for Apple certified after-market kits that can be installed in existing cars.

 

[icwhatudidthere]

You also lose access to you car when you lose your keys; you can’t pay for things when you lose your credit/debit cards; you can’t prove who you are when you also lose your IDs. What’s your point?

One point is that losing one thing (your phone) is easier and more likely than losing three things (phone, keys and wallet).

 

[827538]

Yeah, I love it. I just wish Tesla would also support this standard rather than Bluetooth LE. That would get us Apple Watch support too.

That said, I like Tesla's implementation where I can keep a key card in my wallet just in case. Judging from the comments about losing phone power, I think others would like that that too. Side benefit, if I need to give access (say funerals, weddings, hotels, etc), I always have something available.

I bet any money every new car will come with NFC card keys along with supporting this, just like Tesla.

 

[danniexi]

digital watches should be the key, phones can be lost but watches would be harder to lose.
I know tesla has the app but apple watch support would be nice.
All in all first would problems for sure lol

also works for Apple Watch Series 5 and newer

didn't i hear someone say at the last keynote that bmw will add digital key support for their entire line up?

Hopefully my BMW next year after my lease is up will have this feature!

FYI, a LOT of MY2022 BMW models will be REMOVING BMW Digital Key/Apple CarKey because of the chip shortages. ughhhhhhhhh.

 

[827538]

One point is that losing one thing (your phone) is easier and more likely than losing three things (phone, keys and wallet).

Your phone can be tracked, restored from a cloud backup, plus in my case I also have my Apple Watch. It's a non-issue from my perspective. Maybe I'm unique but I've never lost my iPhone in 12 years.

Replacing lost car keys is a huge pain and at least for my Range Rover Sport is something like $400-$500. I see it as one less thing to lose. Also if someone steals my car keys I don't have a way to lock and wipe them, I do if my iPhone was stolen.

 

[icwhatudidthere]

I bet any money every new car will come with NFC card keys along with supporting this, just like Tesla.

Then that probably moots all the concerns about losing your phone or the phone dying.

 

[biggest father1]

Keyless cars are stolen all the time in our neighborhood. They usually do it with a relay/repeater. One person stands near the house door and picks up the car key signal which most people leave near the door. A second person stands near the car that picks up the relay and sends it to the car. Boom, car is unlocked and ready to start. These devices are not expensive. If you only use your phone as your key, your primary car keys can always be kept in a safe place, preferably an aluminum box.

This is nuts. I had no idea!

 

[kasei]

Oh the humanity... 😂


And if your phone is dead when you get back to your car after a party/sporting event/a concert/a night on the town?


Let me introduce you to an engeius product called "the AirTag".... 😉

This was before AirTags

 

[GDF]

You lose that phone and you will lose everything. I do believe is convenient to be able to open your car and pay for things with your phone WHEN you do not find your keys or your credit cards. But NEVER a way to replace them.

Always go out with your ID, Keys and everything else as usual.

Ha - I can lose my wallet and do the same as easily. Would rather just have everything on my phone and watch. Not losing my watch.

 

[bbednarz]

How?

The phone can muster up enough power for this for up to 5 hours after your phone has died.

 

[alexandr]

also works for Apple Watch Series 5 and newer



FYI, a LOT of MY2022 BMW models will be REMOVING BMW Digital Key/Apple CarKey because of the chip shortages. ughhhhhhhhh.

whaaaaat? that's awful. is it clear which models?

 

[icwhatudidthere]

I can't imagine this on a single payment. Once it has reached repo status, maybe? But at that point you have so severely defaulted, you're essentially driving a car that's in no way yours so...

I've heard it happen with unscrupulous Buy Here Pay Here type dealers. Those guys actually install devices to do this. One missed payment, car gets disabled.

 

[Lemon Olive]

Disagree...MORE KEYLESS ENTRIES=MORE HACKABLE ENTRIES=NO THANKS

That's a fine statement if you can prove that it is a realistic threat. You can't, because it isn't, but that's ok.

Did you know anyone can pick a key lock with some simple tools and watching a 5 minute YouTube video?
Good luck getting into a digital lock.

 

[Pegoto]

If you don't want to have the key of your car with you and you drive a BMW, then you can already use the keycard that comes with it. It fits in your wallet and works just like the Tesla Key Card. No need for a physical key. The iPhone "Digital" key for BMW in its current state is not that good, as it is a pain to take out the phone to touch the door handle, and then leave the phone in the wireless charging tray so that you can drive. My iPhone 12 Pro Max with the slim case is just a millimeter or two to big to fit properly. With the updated spec for the digital key, sounds interesting, but I don't mind carrying a key around, it is tied to my wallet, so where my wallet goes, so go my keys. I don't lose things, that helps.

 

[WestonHarvey1]

Why do people act like those who made this tech never did a single research on how to solve problems like this? Lmao

So how do I access my car when my phone is dead and I left my key at home? Telepathy?

 

[DblHelix]

FWIW, if I approach my BMW with its BMW key in my pocket, The door(s) will unlock when I touch the door handle. It can be set to unlock all doors or just the driver's door. When I get out and walk away, the doors, will lock without me having to do anything but walk away.
Hard to see the iPhone/watch digital key improving on this.

Only change is no need to carry an extra item in your pocket. My key ring is rather large. A few keys for home and gates and such, 2 key fobs. If I could get by with no wallet and no key ring I would be thrilled.

 

[Benjamin Nabulsi]

also works for Apple Watch Series 5 and newer



FYI, a LOT of MY2022 BMW models will be REMOVING BMW Digital Key/Apple CarKey because of the chip shortages. ughhhhhhhhh.

Good catch, I didn't know series 4 is not supported still won't upgrade mine lol

 

[cmcbhi]

On occasion, we eat at a restaurant or stay at a hotel that has valet service. If you are unlocking, driving w/ yout phone digital key, do you just hand the valet your iPhone and go inside?
When you just have your car serviced, do you leave your iPhone with them?
Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[cmcbhi]

Only change is no need to carry an extra item in your pocket. My key ring is rather large. A few keys for home and gates and such, 2 key fobs. If I could get by with no wallet and no key ring I would be thrilled.

Hire a permanent driver.