iOS 13.4 Beta Reveals 'CarKey' Feature That Would Turn Your iPhone or Apple Watch Into a Car Key

[dannys1]

Less than 3 actually.
I would love to be able to open and start the car with the Apple Watch in case I don't have the phone on me.

that’d be fantastic. No need to carry a FOB when it’s on my wrist. It’d also be much more secure (harder to lose/ drop, no relay attacks possible)
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How are so many people are able to afford these cars. The starting price for a Model 3 is $56k here in Canada. I don't think I'll ever be able to justify spending that much, the monthly payment would be on par with my mortgage.

I’m mortgage free so £620 a month goes towards my Model S

 

[podlasek]

Sounds like a lot of extra steps to do something as simple as unlocking your car. Take out phone, hold near reader, authenticate with FaceID, wait for signal to unlock. As compared to just walking up to your door with a keyless FOB and tugging on the handle/pulling the button.

Yes, I was hoping for the same functionality as the keyless keyfob, walk up with my iphone in my pocket or wearing my watch and it recognizes it and allows me to unlock the car.

 

[jazz1]

I’d love to use this via my Apple Watch. Also the ability to share authority with family/friends might be useful in certain circumstances. Like a lost key fob.

That said my Jeep’s key fob unlocks the door when I pull on the handle, and locks when I touch a pad on the handle. There is also a phone app to unlock and lock the Jeep or remotely start it. You still need the fob to drive away.

 

[profets]

How are so many people are able to afford these cars. The starting price for a Model 3 is $56k here in Canada. I don't think I'll ever be able to justify spending that much, the monthly payment would be on par with my mortgage.

The SR+ has excellent value all around, especially considering it can get the 5K federal incentive in Canada at the point of sale. Long term if you look at total cost of ownership, its pretty interesting.

However, I'd argue that Teslas are still generally expensive vehicles. I didn't have to finance mine, but I'm in a relatively good position financially. Even so, it took me a long time to talk myself into getting one (financially).

 

[wkadamsjr]

Come on. Your opinion is your own. Sure, there are instances where it is useful. But, it isn't practical. Not yet. You don't have to like what I say. It's my opinion. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind.

Did you read anything I posted? It's practical for people who might have 3 drivers of the same car, and don't have 3 fobs. It's practical for someone who doesn't want to carry their keys with them for a quick trip to the corner store, or ever.

Just because it doesn't fit your use case, doesn't mean it isn't practical. All technology has to start somewhere.

 

[Braderunner]

Did you read anything I posted? It's practical for people who might have 3 drivers of the same car, and don't have 3 fobs. It's practical for someone who doesn't want to carry their keys with them for a quick trip to the corner store, or ever.

Just because it doesn't fit your use case, doesn't mean it isn't practical. All technology has to start somewhere.

My opinion hasn't changed. You keep saying the same thing. I don't have to like it because you do. I'm sorry you feel that you need my approval.
p.s. I'm not the only one who thinks it's a ridiculous process...just to unlock your car.

 

[TVreporter]

I have an app for my 2018 F150 pickup to start and unlock it...
At first the app was finicky but I’ll give Ford credit they’ve done a lot of work to improve it. Great to have in the winter especially.

I can start the vehicle anywhere— you don’t need to be near it.

 

[rom3o]

What if your iPhone or Apple Watch is dead and needs charging?

I guess like Express Cards this feature will keep working a couple of hours after the phone shut down.

What other car has NFC in it that would be able to work with this feature?

While recently looking for a new car I saw that both BMW and VW had options for newer models to use (and share) digital keys via NFC, although currently limited to certain Android phones.

There's absolutely zero chance any car manufacturer would buy into this. CarPlay is one thing- but the keys to the car dependent on Apple? Never

They already bought into it, it’s a standard set by the Car Connectivity Consortium which includes carmakers as well as Apple:

Car Consortium That Includes Apple Announces Digital Car Key Specification for Smartphones

The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), an organization that includes Apple, today announced the publication of a new Digital Key Release 1.0...

www.macrumors.com

 

[pilot1226]

Man, I hope Subaru supports something like this...

 

[blinker]

Apple yesterday seeded the first beta of iOS 13.4 with several new features, such as iCloud folder sharing, new Memoji stickers, and a redesigned Mail toolbar. While not mentioned in the release notes, the update also includes early signs of an interesting feature that would turn an iPhone or Apple Watch into a car key.

As first reported by 9to5Mac, and confirmed by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, the iOS 13.4 beta contains strings of code that reference an unreleased "CarKey" framework that would enable an iPhone or Apple Watch to lock or unlock compatible vehicles and start the engine to drive.

The code indicates that "CarKey" would essentially be a digital car key stored in the Wallet app. This would allow you to approach your vehicle, hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near an NFC reader in the vehicle, authenticate with Face ID, and have the vehicle unlock automatically. Similar to Apple Pay for transit, Express Mode would be an option, eliminating the need to authenticate.For initial setup of CarKey, you will need to place your iPhone on top of the NFC reader in your vehicle, according to the strings. Apple says the process may take several minutes to complete. Then, you will need to enter a pairing code provided by your local dealership, or connect using your vehicle brand's app.Conveniently, it will be possible to share a CarKey with others, giving them full or restricted unlocking and driving capabilities.Apple would be partnering with automakers on this initiative, suggesting that CarKey could become a factory-installed option like CarPlay. The feature would require an NFC-enabled vehicle, so it would likely be limited to newer models. It is unclear when CarKey may begin rolling out, but perhaps it is planned for the public release of iOS 13.4 within the next few months.

Notably, Apple is a member of the Car Connectivity Consortium, or CCC, which recently announced a new NFC-based Digital Key 2.0 specification that it said would be made available by the end of 2019. The CCC said this specification establishes a secure connection between mobile devices and vehicles using NFC, which continues to operate even when a compatible device's battery is low.

Next, the consortium is developing a Digital Key 3.0 specification based on both Bluetooth LE and Ultra Wideband to enable passive, location-aware keyless access. This would allow you to leave your iPhone in your pocket or backpack when accessing or starting your vehicle. Apple added Ultra Wideband support to its iPhone 11 lineup and promised it would lead to "amazing new capabilities."

The above evidence coupled with related patents is quite compelling evidence that Apple has big plans for digital car keys.

Article Link: iOS 13.4 Beta Reveals 'CarKey' Feature That Would Turn Your iPhone or Apple Watch Into a Car Key

I think it's very interesting. Just a few days ago I got an online survey from Volvo (that's what I own) asking about my interest in using my phone as a car key. So it's clearly on their minds.

 

[spacemnspiff]

Tesla Model 3 support?

Tesla App already uses the phone as a keyless authentication method. What else would be needed?

I can add as many phones to the car as I need.

 

[Rigby]

Tesla App already uses the phone as a keyless authentication method. What else would be needed?

E.g. opening they car by holding an Apple Watch to the NFC reader in the B pillar, in case I don't have my phone on me or the battery is dead. Or delegating a "virtual NFC key" to someone else without having to give them my Tesla account password so they can use their phone.

 

[doctor-don]

You mean when water in the key door lock freezes I wouldn't have to hold a lighter flame on the end of the key to unfreeze the door lock?

 

[Lerxt]

Everyone else trying to catch up to Tesla.

 

[3square]

Sounds like a lot of extra steps to do something as simple as unlocking your car. Take out phone, hold near reader, authenticate with FaceID, wait for signal to unlock. As compared to just walking up to your door with a keyless FOB and tugging on the handle/pulling the button.

It will work automatically, without requiring Face ID.
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"This would allow you to approach your vehicle, hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near an NFC reader in the vehicle, authenticate with Face ID, and have the vehicle unlock automatically". Wow! It's that easy? Why would anyone bother with pushing a single button on a fob?

To use CarKey, hold iPhone or Apple Watch to reader. It will work automatically, without requiring Face ID. You can change express mode settings in Wallet.

reading is too hard nowadays

 

[MadeTheSwitch]

plenty of HomeKit locks

Not from Apple though. I would like Apple to get into the door lock, door bell, and camera game in a secure way that a lot of other companies aren’t doing like they should. Ring especially.

 

[szw-mapple fan]

I'll bet some people already carry that ONE extra thing called a smart phone! 😆

Not sure if I'm following. I'm simply saying you won't have to carry the key fob if this feature is in your phone.

 

[Babygotfont]

My car got stolen on franklin and 23rd last year ... I’ve been taking the bus since
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I guess like Express Cards this feature will keep working a couple of hours after the phone shut down.

While recently looking for a new car I saw that both BMW and VW had options for newer models to use (and share) digital keys via NFC, although currently limited to certain Android phones.


They already bought into it, it’s a standard set by the Car Connectivity Consortium which includes carmakers as well as Apple:

Car Consortium That Includes Apple Announces Digital Car Key Specification for Smartphones

The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), an organization that includes Apple, today announced the publication of a new Digital Key Release 1.0...

www.macrumors.com

As long as it supports my 1972 AMC Gremlin, I’m happy

 

[Diamondsr4everyone]

Question. I have a beta profile on both my iphone xsmax as well as my ipad pro 3rd generation and neither devices is showing IOS Beta 13.4 download. Its trying to get me to install 13.3.1. Is anyone else having this issue??

 

[beanbaguk]

Or I can continue with my comfort access and just unlock my car door by placing my hand on the handle and opening the door. I then sit in my car and hit the "Start" button to get going.

When I'm done and I need to lock my car, I just tap my door handle the car is locked.

At no point do I ever have to touch my key and I just need to keep it in my pocket......

.....am I missing something?

This sounds very convoluted. Perhaps it's suited to places with high crime?

And for those who tell me my car can be easily stolen using a hijack amplifier, I place all my car keys in a faraday bag when stored at home so this method of theft is rendered useless.
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I've never understood appeal of CarPlay. I have it but prefer factory nav sys & Sirius XM radio. CarPlay is just a 2nd screen for iPhone.

I have to confess I was sceptical, but I have it on my G30 BMW, and my wife has it retrofitted to her 2 series.

The biggest advantage on my 5 series is the connection is completely wireless, so I just get in the car, throw my phone onto the wireless charger and that's it. CarPlay comes on and I'm able to navigate safely through my apps, and it's really good.

I do also use the BMW iDrive system (I have iD6), and that allows me to view media, navigation and car information all on one display. I was very disappointed with Apple not allowing the use of 3rd party navigation with their CarPlay split screen view which is the reason I don't use it for this. That, and it doesn't integrate with my HUD which is one of my favourite navigation features in my car.

Once Apple allow Google to work on the split screen, I may use this feature more, but Apple Maps is dire in Spain. Utterly useless and lacks a ton of information, roads, has inaccurate data and gives you the craziest navigation routes.

 

[littyboy]

I've never understood appeal of CarPlay. I have it but prefer factory nav sys & Sirius XM radio. CarPlay is just a 2nd screen for iPhone.

I use it for the bigger waze screen. Other than that, it's pretty useless.

 

[bransoj]

I have CarPlay on my 2018 Vauxhall Insignia and use it pretty much everyday for commuting to work and back. I pretty much never use the standard screen on the car. I saved myself a good chunk by not paying for same model car with Sat Nav and even the salesman said to me i'm not sure why you would bother paying for SatNav when you can use CarPlay.

I have a choice of sat nav options from either Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze without having to worry about costly updates to maps to stay up to date. It also gives me easy access to my music, podcasts, phone calls, messaging and it will also suggest directions to places based on my calendar on my phone so a lot of the time i dont have to worry about setting the sat nav destination i just confirm the suggested one. I can also do most of it with Siri integration which is light years ahead of the car voice control.

I'm currently in a hire car that is the same as mine but the Sat Nav one and the built in navigation just isnt as good. Last September we were on holiday in California and had a GMC Yukon XL as a hire car, again i used Carplay over the built in options after the first time we drove from the airport in San Francisco to where we stayed up in the Hope Valley the built in system tried to divert us around traffic on the freeway but took us straight into roadworks that it hadnt picked up. Ended up taking us 7hrs to do a journey that Google Maps had at 5hrs.

My wifes car doesnt have CarPlay and she has already said it will be a factor in picking the car that replaces it.

 

[TheRealTVGuy]

CarKey??

YESSSSSS!!!! FINALLY!!!!

I am Super excited about this. Now, if I could just get the State of Florida to accept digital driver’s and concealed weapon permit licenses I’d be all set.

With CarKey, my HomeKit enabled smart lock, my digital insurance card, Apple Pay, and (one day) my digital licenses, I could leave the house with ONLY my Apple Watch!

No more bloated pockets or batman-esque utility belt!!!!!

 

[DeathChill]

Tesla Model 3 support?

I mean, our phones are already keys for the Model 3. Would be nice I guess as a fall back. Also, best car ever.

 

[Thanatoast]

Sigh, this was the dream right up until I sold my car. Keys are a pain but I always have my phone.