Design
Apple’s Newest iOS 14 Feature Lets Users Unlock And Start Their Car With An iPhone
The tech giant used the platform to unveil its new iOS 14 complete with additional new cutting edge features.
As the world grapples with the pandemic businesses and individuals have been rocked out of their normal routines forcing everyone to switch to safer ways of doing business without risk.
Apple recently set pace with it’s much anticipated digital Worldwide Developers Conference WWDC it held online. The tech giant used the platform to unveil its new iOS 14 complete with additional new cutting edge features.
In the latest development, iOS users will be able to enjoy new widgets as well as an app library. However, the creme de la creme of this technology is a wireless mechanism that allows it’s users to unlock, lock and startup a car with an iPhone or Apple watch. This means that the days of fumbling in the pockets for car keys are over.
Named CarKey, this technology works with near field communication (NFC) and will be supported by the new 2021 BMW 5 series that is set for the market next month.
It even gets better, car key also lets you share keys with other iOS users through its iMessage platform. The owner creates a driver profile that restricts how long other users have access to the key.
Emily Schubert, Senior Manager of car experienced engineering for Apple, said: ‘Digital keys have security benefits. If your keys go missing you can turn off your keys remotely.’
‘They are even easier to share than a physical key. Copies do not involve trips to the dealership and you can share them no matter where you are with iMessage.
With each key you share, you can set options like a restricted driver profile.’
‘Users simply wave their device over the NFC reader and are prompted to authorize the feature using FaceID.
Once inside, the driver places their iPhone inside the charger and pushes the ignition button to start the vehicle.’
The system would leverage Apple’s U1 chip, which uses ultra-wideband technology to determine precise spatial awareness.
Current iOS users have not been left out either, the tech giant noted that it will roll out CarKey in iOS 13 as well and can be supported by all vehicles equipped with the specific communication reader.
Apple is also in the process of working on standards with motor industry groups so that the CarKey technology can be rolled out in all car models
