Apple’s car-focused tech got a nifty update at WWDC, letting users start their cars with their iPhone. Announced Monday, Apple’s new CarKey digital car keys feature will allow you to unlock and start select vehicles using NFC technology.
Emily Schubert, Apple’s Engineering Manager for Car Experience showed off the feature, which promises to revolutionize the way you start your vehicle for the 21st century.
The 2021 BMW 5 series will be the first car to support the feature. It will work with both iOS 13 and iOS 14. Users simply tap their phone to unlock the door using NFC technology. They then place their iPhone on a charging pad to enable you to start the car engine. Apple is working to the technology an industry standard with its U1 chip.
The feature will also let users share keys via Messages. They can also set options and limitations for driver access, although Apple didn’t provide too much in the way of details.
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CarPlay got an update too
This wasn’t the only automotive tech Apple showed off at WWDC. It also debuted an overhaul of its dash infotainment system CarPlay. The new CarPlay update includes new wallpaper, and new app categories. These include EV charging and quick food ordering.