NFC-Based Digital Key Specification Released Ahead of Apple's Rumored CarKey Feature on iPhone

[calzon65]

What BMW models will this support? Funny that the graphic shows the i8 which just ended production last month and will not have a successor.
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And then when they backtracked, iDrive 6 didn't even allow CarPlay to go full screen. My 2020 X4M Competition displays iDrive 3/4 of the screen with a giant "CarPlay" icon at the right in split screen. It took people on eBay to release a hack via USB port to go full screen... BMW still no comment.

Since you mentioned CarPlay on a BMW, I have a 2017 430xi, purchased CarPlay then promptly disabled it, total waste of money. CarPlay maps didn't have the detail, smooth operation, feature set and real-time updates as the BMW maps and as you intimated, only filled half the screen (maybe an intentional act by BMW). Anyway, the BMW iPhone integration (music, phone, contacts, maps, etc.) was far superior to CarPlay.

 

[farewelwilliams]

What’s the point of releasing regressive standards? You need to take out our phone to lock / start, but typically not your fob.

key fob only does one thing.

 

[827538]

Yes please. I want convenience. And if that means I can leave my key Fob behind, where my phone ultimately can tethered to the car directly, I’m fine with that. It’s not that key fobs are unnecessary, but it’s less bulk into my pocket that I can leave potentially behind. Plus, I’d probably be more likely to lose my $300 key fob to my Charger Scat Pack V.S. My iPhone.

If you think about it, if the iPhone can potentially utilize key fob features, then this would serve the purpose of leaving the fob behind, because we carry our phones with us everywhere anyways for emergency reasons/contacts, etc. A phone is a necessity, the fob is an accessory that has the potential to be left behind.

Exactly, one less thing to carry in my pocket, one less thing to lose. It's clear a key doesn't really serve any function that a phone can't do.

Also if I lose/have my iPhone stolen I can log on anywhere or use my wife's phone or my MacBook to instantly lock my iPhone and locate it.
If I have my key fob stolen then someone can take my car and there's not much I can do about it other than report it to the Police. I think it's actually a much more secure system. Same for my cards and Apple Pay.

I think Walmart is the only place that still doesn't accept Apple Pay. As soon as that changes I'll be very happy - not that I even shop at Walmart much. I've already moved to using a slim wallet that works great. I just hope digital drivers licenses come soon.

 

[farewelwilliams]

Let's see... How can we make opening a car door as complicated as possible?

While it's obvious that an iPhone could wirelessly unlock a car with special hardware installed, the question needs to be asked- should it?

And who thinks all the car makers are going to go along with this?
If there ever was an example of a solution looking for a problem, this idea has got to be one of them.

apple watch would probably just need a wave.

 

[imola.zhp]

NFC typically only works a cm or 2 away from the receiver. If your phone is in your pocket it will not trigger it at all. If you have your watch on it could trigger but only if you brush the watch right against the NFC antenna, a problem that would exist for like 2 seconds while you wipe the NFC area.

Right and the original post states that upcoming 3.0 will use BT LR which will allow one to keep their phone in their pocket. You start somewhere, 2.0 NFC, and then you improve in the future, 3.0 BT LR.

 

[Massimo1926]

A Tesla can unlock as the owner approaches with the iPhone in his pocket. Works seamlessly. So why would any other manufacturer opt for a NFC solution rather than imitating the Tesla’s approach? 🤔

pull out of the pocket, authenticate, open, put back in the pocket. Why?

 

[calzon65]

A Tesla can unlock as the owner approaches with the iPhone in his pocket. Works seamlessly. So why would any other manufacturer opt for a NFC solution rather than imitating the Tesla’s approach? 🤔

pull out of the pocket, authenticate, open, put back in the pocket. Why?

Maybe if someone stole a person's phone, maybe at a bar, walked around the parking lot with it and waited for a door to unlock.

 

[Bass Ackwards]

A Tesla can unlock as the owner approaches with the iPhone in his pocket. Works seamlessly. So why would any other manufacturer opt for a NFC solution rather than imitating the Tesla’s approach? 🤔

pull out of the pocket, authenticate, open, put back in the pocket. Why?

Same question, what exactly is Tesla doing that they've been doing passive entry with smart phones for years, but everyone else is still an update/generation away from that?

 

[subjonas]

What’s the point of releasing regressive standards? You need to take out our phone to lock / start, but typically not your fob.

What others said. Also, in the article:

Moving forward, 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.

 

[riverfreak]

From an Apple Car to an Apple CarKey. The last gasp of Project Titan, a tiny, tiny whimper for redemption.

 

[subjonas]

Apple better not try to make key sharing non-cross platform or it will be way too limiting. There’s already a big issue here with valet parking. I don’t see all valets being able to adopt digital key tech for a long time, if ever.
Otherwise, killer feature.

 

[jaytv111]

Right and the original post states that upcoming 3.0 will use BT LR which will allow one to keep their phone in their pocket. You start somewhere, 2.0 NFC, and then you improve in the future, 3.0 BT LR.

I think with Bluetooth the car will be programmed similarly to with key fobs. The cars that I've had experience with this kind of keyless entry only lock and unlock when you either press a button on the door handle or you put your hand around the door handle and it automatically unlocks when it senses your hand is about to open the door. So if it used Bluetooth it's not going to lock or unlock just because you're in range, it will only if you tap a button or put your hand around the door handle. Nothing to worry about it unlocking automatically. And the reason NFC would do the unlock and lock thing automatically upon tapping the device is that it requires a tap due to the short range so it's functionally equivalent to pressing a button.

 

[justperry]

Typo?
Truck acces

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

I reminded of the, "Whoever asked for 1,000 songs in your pocket?" chorus a decade ago.

That was 18.5 years ago... most people would round it to "two decades ago", not one.

Just incase you weren't feeling old.

 

[profets]

Its a start, we have to start somewhere. When no one finds it useful above carrying around your fob they will do better with the next iteration.

One question I have about this is when hand washing the car am I going to have to take off my watch and remove my phone from my pocket? I have to put the fob away from the car (or in the car) as it is because when hand washing it the car will lock and unlock randomly.

Funnily enough, this happens when I’m washing my Model 3. Car locks and unlocks as I get close / far from the car. I‘ve gotten into the habit of leaving the phone a little ways away. PS. Still miss my i3, that was such a nice car.

 

[compwiz1202]

What’s the point of releasing regressive standards? You need to take out our phone to lock / start, but typically not your fob.

Yea will this work the same as the FOB where it can detect it within BT range and will allow you to unlock and start as long as it is in range?

 

[44267547]

Funnily enough, this happens when I’m washing my Model 3. Car locks and unlocks as I get close / far from the car. I‘ve gotten into the habit of leaving the phone a little ways away. PS. Still miss my i3, that was such a nice car.

Already planning ahead for the future for my next car probably 2/3 years from now, either a Tesla or the new Ford Mustang Mach-E. After owning a plethora of performance cars over the years, I’m ready for the EV move next, and I think the technology is really starting to advance with other manufacturers on-board With Features that sell these cars for the convenience/Ease of use, performance, fuel savings, and far less mechanical failures, these cars really do pay for themselves.

My neighbor has a white performance PD85, And loves it. Zero problems.

 

[Minato1990]

I need this for Honda civics fam.

 

[Techwatcher]

I hope my BMW is supported. BMW better not pull a fast one.
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What’s the point of releasing regressive standards? You need to take out our phone to lock / start, but typically not your fob.

Well that's the point. For you to not even bring your fob. If you still had to bring it then that wouldn't make sense.

 

[CarlJ]

A Tesla can unlock as the owner approaches with the iPhone in his pocket. Works seamlessly. So why would any other manufacturer opt for a NFC solution rather than imitating the Tesla’s approach? 🤔

If I recall correctly, one of my Tesla-owning friends uses Bluetooth on his phone for car access, normally, but also has a credit-card-sized NFC card in his wallet for backup (i.e. if your phone battery dies or you lose your phone but not your wallet). That sounds to me like Tesla has both BT and NFC.

 

[subjonas]

This is one of those cases where touch ID would probably be more advantageous.

 

[Tagbert]

Since you mentioned CarPlay on a BMW, I have a 2017 430xi, purchased CarPlay then promptly disabled it, total waste of money. CarPlay maps didn't have the detail, smooth operation, feature set and real-time updates as the BMW maps and as you intimated, only filled half the screen (maybe an intentional act by BMW). Anyway, the BMW iPhone integration (music, phone, contacts, maps, etc.) was far superior to CarPlay.

then BMW must have an exceptional implementation because Carplay is worlds better than most automakers navigation and audio systems.

 

[farewelwilliams]

anyone know if this is something that Tesla can support via software update or do they need new NFC equipment.

 

[dchiusa]

My Lincoln Aviator already does that with phone in pocket. no keys needed to unlock and start car. Just have phone in pocket.

 

[Nozuka]

I hope they‘ll release version 3.0 fast.

NFC is not very convenient for daily use. But good enough for car sharing or package delivery i guess.