Every time a new version of iOS is released, there are people who are dedicated to rummaging inside to find hidden news. So we discovered new features that Apple plans to implement in its operating system, before the company announces it.
Yesterday the first iOS 13.4 beta version. At seven in the afternoon, Spanish time, as always. Only an hour later we already have news about a new function that is hidden inside: CarKey. With that name, you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to guess what it's all about. Apple wants us to look like James Bond in the near future ...
It seems that Apple is taking the first steps to make an iPhone or Apple Watch work like a smart key for a vehicle. And this is not a rumor from Kuo, but an API called "CarKey" found yesterday inside the new beta version of iOS 13.4. This API could be used with cars that have some kind of NFC support.
Surely with this API CarKey will be able to unlock a car, start it, and re-lock it. A system similar to the one that already exists with so-called smart keys that many vehicles incorporate. The difference is that the current keys work by radio frequency, and this new system would use the NFC wireless protocol.
A notable difference from Apple Pay's NFC system, for example, is that CarKey will work even with the mobile off. It is not acceptable that you cannot use your car if your iPhone runs out of battery. This function is already being used with the American Express Transit Card. Pairing is done through the Wallet app and that of the car manufacturer.
You can share your CarKey with other people, inviting them through Wallet, and change if you want its privileges. You can give access to the vehicle to another user, but who cannot start it, for example. A good idea, without a doubt.
Apple is a founding member of the Car Connectivity Consortium. A technical group of several companies that published the first Digital Key Release 2018 standard for interactions of smartphones with vehicles via NFC in 1.0. That, and several patents granted to the company regarding the pairing of the iPhone with vehicles via Bluetooth and the Ultra-Wideband, leads us to think that we will soon leave the car key on the bedside table, next to the driving license.
news of hacked cars in 3,2,1 ..
I do not see anything new, I have been opening my Audi A1 with the iPhone since August 2019
Bringing the mobile closer to the door?
No, even from home
Of course, as I have already said that I do in my article. For that you need your car to have an internet connection, so you have to pay and also be in the coverage area. Try to do it in a public parking 4 floors underground.
It is a totally different system, it is done by proximity, like when you pay with a credit card. It is something complementary.