Announced by Apple in June 2020, CarKey is a technology that allows the driver to connect the iPhone to the car and, through an application, lock and unlock the doors , start the vehicle, among other features.
For innovation to work perfectly, cars must leave the factory with a reader. The first model with the technology is the BMW 5 Series, but Apple is already negotiating to implement it in other cars.
Want to learn more about CarKey? In this post, we separate the main information on the subject. Read on and check it out!
The technology works by NFC (Near Field Communication) communication. This is a feature widely used in the mobile market that allows the interaction between devices and equipment without the need for cables or wires.
In order for you to be able to lock or unlock your car doors using NFC communication, the signal emitter and receiver must be close to each other. So, just hold an iPhone or Apple Watch close to the handle of a compatible car to launch it. To start the vehicle, it is necessary to approach the application to the NFC reader inside and then press the ignition button.
You can also borrow your digital key from CarKey via iMessage. In this case, the owner does not need to create an extra configuration for each person, it is possible to impose speed restrictions and lock the car.
Initially, the feature is available for smartphones running iOS14, as well as for those using iOS13 and have the possibility to update the operating system to the new version. Discover the devices that support Apple CarKey:
The use of digital keys for vehicles is something quite innovative, but not unheard of. However, CarKey stands out for having a separate app for the key, as well as integrating Apple’s entire ecosystem of services in a single device.
Many drivers may think that this technology is something distant, but the trend is that it will be used more and more in the coming years. And Apple promises to deploy new updates to make CarKey even more efficient, such as offering the ability to open the car without even taking the cell phone out of your pocket.
And if you’re concerned about security, be aware that you can disable the feature via iCloud if your phone is lost or stolen — that is, even if a burglar has your phone and access to CarKey, he won’t be able to use it to open the car. In addition, Apple has already stated that it will not have any access to user information, either when you access the vehicle or when sharing the digital key.
