A new CarKey feature for iOS 14 will let drivers start up compatible vehicles from their iPhone or Apple Watch, using a digital car key in their Wallet app. Leaked screenshots that appeared on Twitter this week show what the user interface might look like.
Tapping on the digital car key in the Wallet app will reveal the car model and automaker. It also offers the ability to share your key with another person. And an Express Mode works without requiring Face ID or your passcode.
Finally, there’s the option to unlock your car in several ways. This includes popping the trunk only, unlocking the entire vehicle, or unlocking the vehicle and driving.
Twitter user @DongleBookPro posted the CarKey screenshots Monday, although they only came to light late this week.
CarKey is coming soon (for BMW owners)
It’s no surprise that BMW would be the first vehicle seen in CarKey screenshots. Apple is reportedly working with the German automaker to develop the brand-new CarKey feature for iOS 14. BMW will be the first automaker to support the feature this fall.
References to a brand-new CarKey API first surfaced in an iOS 13.4 beta back in February. Leaked iOS 14 code then added more information for this “keyless” method of locking, unlocking and starting vehicles.
Are you excited about the prospect of CarKey in iOS 14? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
