Your iPhone or Apple Watch could become your car key in the relatively near future.
A group of developers has just studied the first beta version of iOS 13.4, and noted references to a “CarKey” API, which will make it possible to use the iPhone and also the Apple Watch to unlock, lock, and start a car. According to the system’s internal files, 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.
It also seems that it won’t be necessary to authenticate via Face ID, a similar technique to what’s being done with Express Transit Cards:
To use CarKey, hold iPhone or Apple Watch to reader. It will work automatically, without requiring Face ID. You can change express mode settings in Wallet.
If so, the device and the car can be paired through the Wallet app, which might then be confirmed via the car manufacturer’s app to proceed with the setup. Users could be able to place the device, such as an iPhone, atop the NFC reader in the car during the initial process, and then CarKey will be available in the Wallet app. After that, the key can easily be added to Apple Watch.
It’s also thought that the CarKey feature could be shared with other users, such as family members. Invitations could be sent through the wallet app to access the car key on their own Apple devices:
%@ invited you to use their %@ with unlock access. This allows you to use your iPhone and Apple Watch to unlock/lock the car.
It’s also been noted that Apple is working with some car manufacturers to implement the CarKey feature, although this won’t be available until CarKey 13.4 if officially released to the public.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via 9to5Mac