BMW will become the first carmaker to enable owners to use their Apple iPhone as a fully digital car key. It will let them tap to unlock and then place the iPhone in the smartphone tray and pushing the start button.
Setup of the Digital Key can be done through the BMW Smartphone app. The car owner can share access with up to five friends including a configurable car access option for young drivers which restricts top speed, engine power, maximum radio volume and more.
Management of access can be done from inside the car as well as through Apple Wallet.
Additional features of the new Digital Key include: Storage in the Secure Element of the iPhone and access through Apple Wallet, power reserve for iPhone where car keys will still function for up to five hours if the iPhone turns off due to low battery and Apple Watch compatibility.
Introduction of the Apple iPhone fully digital car key in Australia is expected in the fourth quarter of 2020.
