BMW becomes first carmaker to use iPhone as digital car key

BMW is going to be the first carmaker to get Apple’s iPhone-based wireless car key.

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BMW will become the first to enable its customers to use the new feature, which Apple refers to as CarKey (BMW is calling theirs the Digital Key), with the first vehicle to support it being the latest G30 5 Series LCI.

The BMW Digital Key for the iPhone will allow users to tap and unlock the car. Users will then place the iPhone in the mobile tray and press the start / stop button to power the vehicle.

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Apple’s CarKey uses NFC technology to allow users to unlock their car by simply holding the device close to an NFC reader on the door handle.

Owners will use the BMW Smartphone App to set up their Digital Key. The key can be shared with up to five people via iMessage. The key can also be programmed to limit the vehicle’s top speed, horsepower and maximum radio volume. Both options can be accessed from inside the car or through Apple Wallet.

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NFC-based digital car keys aren’t something new, as other carmakers already offer them with similar functionality. 

The Digital Key is located in the iPhone Safe Element and can be accessed via the Apple Wallet. The key can work for up to 5 hours even if the iPhone is turned off due to a low battery. The Digital Key is also compatible with the Apple Watch system.

The BMW Digital Key for iPhone will be available in 45 countries on models produced after 1 July 2020. It will be available in 1-Series, 2-Series, 3-Series, 4-Series, 5-Series, 6-Series, 8-Series, X5, X6, X7 X5 M, X6 M and Z4.

The BMW Digital Key is compatible with iPhone XR, iPhone XS or newer models and Apple Watch Series 5 or latest models.

 

To read more on BMW IndiaClick here

 

Also seeVideo – BMW kicks off ‘Don’t Text and Drive’ campaign

 

GALLERY: Apple’s iPhone-based Digital Key for BMW Cars