Say goodbye to your keyfobs with Apple CarKey in iOS 14

Updated Jun 23, 2020 | Same topic: Leading-Edge Tech Trends

Forgot your car keys? Apple CarKey is coming soon

Car keys have been around for millennia and have evolved in different forms and sizes. Now, with the help of the fast-growing technological development in the industry, Apple decided to produce a feature that will help drivers enter and start their cars without using a key.

The feature is called the CarKey. It was introduced during the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference and the advanced feature is said to be coming to iOS 14. BMW’s new 2021 5 Series will be the first vehicle to support the CarKey.

To get started, the driver’s iPhone or Apple Watch must be placed near the door to unlock the car. CarKey uses near field communication (NFC), a communication protocol between two electronic devices within 4 cm or less.

A new BMW 5 Series on the road

The 5 Series will pioneer the new and advanced CarKey feature

However, this is not the first time we have seen a phone unlock a car since Tesla and Hyundai have been doing it for quite some time now. What is different about Apple CarKey is that the digital key can be shared with up to five individuals through a message. Some updates are also added like new wallpapers for display, and new apps like Parking and Quick Food Ordering.

CarKey has three levels of access – it can unlock the truck, unlock the doors, and be able to drive the vehicle. On top of these, the CarKey also provides options that will limit the car’s top speed, horsepower, and more.

>>> Related: Winning Apple Airpods is as easy as sharing your car's story with us

The infotainment system of the new 5 Series

We may soon get our hands on the iOS 14 around September this year

A power reserve function is also featured that allows CarKey to function for up to five more hours after an iPhone shuts off due to low battery. In the future, Apple will further enhance the CarKey by featuring the U1 ultra-wideband chip, rather than the NFC.

There is no official word as to when the iOS 14 will be released. However, it is reported that the CarKey will also be enabled in iOS 13 so that iPhone users can utilize this feature even sooner. We also hope that other car brands will integrate the Apple CarKey into its vehicles. 

Here at Philkotse.com, we value your interest in the automotive industry. You can visit our website to find out more.

Know more about BMW

BMW

As of 2023, BMW Philippines offers a total of 12 models, of which the most affordable is the 1-Series entry-level premium hatchback. Its sole variant in the market is priced at Php 2,690,000.  

Other BMW car models available locally includes the 2 Series subcompact executive sedan, 3 Series compact executive sedan, the 5 Series and 6 Series midsize executive sedan, the 7 Series fullsize luxury sedan, the X1 subcompact luxury crossover, X3 and X4 compact luxury crossover, X5 midsize luxury crossover, the X7 fullsize luxury crossover, and the Z4 coupe sports car. 

Apart from the BMW price list for 2023 that we update on the regular, Philkotse.com also lists the latest and hottest car promos ranging from low monthly amortizations, low downpayments, and cash discounts. 

Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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