Apple Debuts CarKey, A New System That Lets Users Unlock Their Cars With iPhones

Apple has recently unveiled an upgrade to its iOS operating system, which will allow drivers to unlock their cars via their iPhones.

The latest system, dubbed CarKey, will let users unlock their cars with just their iPhones or Apple Watches. To start, a driver would first need to pair their iPhone or Apple Watch with a vehicle that supports the latest feature. The user will have to hold their device close to the car’s field communications reader, which is usually found in or around the car’s door handle.

The user can opt to use a face scan, fingerprint scan, or an ‘express mode’ to unlock their car whenever they approach the vehicle. The ‘express mode’ would skip the biometric scan to unlock the car when requested through the feature automatically.

The user of the digital keys can also share the feature securely with their family members or other trusted parties through an iMessage. When inside of the car, the iPhones can be kept in pockets or bags.

However, if the driver’s iPhone goes missing, they can simply switch off the digital car keys feature by using iCloud.

The new CarKey system will be first available to drivers of the 2021 BMW 5-series from July this year. The feature can be found in the upcoming iOS 14 software, as well as the current iOS 13 version.

Once inside, the driver’s iPhone can be in their pocket or bag and still start their car. If a driver’s phone goes missing, they can turn off the digital car keys using iCloud.

Apple’s digital keys will be available to drivers of the 2021 BMW 5-series starting in July this year. The feature will be part of Apple’s upcoming iOS 14 software and the current version, iOS 13.