Nikon1

Just announced at the “virtual” Apple World Wide Developers Conference:

”Apple has announced today that the CarKey feature is coming with iOS 14 and also with a new iOS 13 update. CarKey lets you use the iPhone and also the Apple Watch to unlock, lock, and start a car. Users will be able to use CarKey in NFC-compatible cars, as they only need to hold the device near the vehicle to use it as a key.

The pairing process is done through the Wallet app, and then it’s necessary to have the car manufacturer’s app to proceed with the setup. Users must place the iPhone on top of the NFC reader in the car during the initial process, and then CarKey will be available in the Wallet app.

CarKey can be shared with other people via iMessage, such as family members. Apple is working with BMW to likely be the first carmaker to support CarKey.

Users will be able to use CarKey not only with iOS 14, but with an upcoming update to iOS 13”

Apple specifically said “New Cars” so it would seem we are SOL.

— John

DaveSNJ

But now you have a reason to trade for a B10....

<ducks>

Nikon1

Not without a Click Wheel / Touch Pad Controller. Touchscreens on my iPhones, iPads & watches are keepers — not so much in my car.

— John

superswiss

Audi supports this for Android Phones via the Audi Connect Key. Not offered in the USA, though, so as far as I know US spec cars lack the required NFC reader in the door handle. Audi could add support to their app for it, because they already support it for Android Auto, but w/o the NFC reader you'll be out of luck.

JohnEnglish

I like the idea that you can use iMessage to send your “car key” to someone so they can drive the car. You can also place restrictions on the car key so the car can only be started on certain days and during certain times.

Thes6isWicked

Audi could offer it as an upgrade via the Audi App and the dealer.
temporarily plug in the NFC reader, pair the phone and then use phone bluetooth, as opposed to NFC.
BT connects automatically so the car wouldn't even need to supply a lot of power to the module in sleep mode.
I mean, the standard supports a few different ways of doing this.

...but they won't...

Nikon1

Additional Information:

One of the new features of iOS 14, which will also be available to iOS 13 users, is CarKey. With CarKey, you can use your iPhone or Apple Watch to lock, unlock, and start a car. Unfortunately, this feature is not compatible with all devices that can run iOS 14 and watchOS 7.



CarKey uses NFC technology to communicate with the car, enabling devices to function as a true car key. Users must place the iPhone on top of the NFC reader in the car during the initial process, and then CarKey will be available in the Wallet app.

Since CarKey works automatically without the user having to unlock the phone and open any app, it requires the Background Tag Reading technology, something that is only available on iPhone XR and later.

According to Apple’s website, CarKey is also restricted to Apple Watch Series 5, which was launched last year. However, this may seem controversial, as the Apple Watch Series 5 hardware is nearly identical to Series 4. The only real differences between Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5 are the display, built-in compass, and internal storage.

Even so, Apple has decided that Apple Watch Series 4 owners will not have access to CarKey. You can check the full compatibility list below:

• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd gen)
• Apple Watch Series 5

The first supported car is the 2021 BMW 5 series, but the company hasn’t mentioned when CarKey will be available.
Link To Article

— John