During the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2020, Apple announced some impressive features related to Apple CarPlay in the upcoming iOS 14. One of the most exciting features of CarPlay is the Digital Car Key, which will allow you to unlock your car with your iPhone . So now you won’t need to carry your keys with you. Currently, 97% of cars in the US support Apple CarPlay, while around 80% of cars worldwide are compatible with Apple CarPlay. So, this feature can significantly reduce the use of regular keys, if implemented correctly. One can think of Apple Digital Car Key as the key provided by Tesla. It will work more or less the same way that the Tesla App works to unlock the car via mobile phone. However, the feature will not be available in all cars initially. Specifically, the first car to support this feature will be the 2021 BMW 5 Series, which will soon be released on the market. Apple announced that the feature will also be available in iOS 13. In addition, the company said that it wants the Digital Car Key to be compatible with all cars. To achieve this, it is working with industry leaders.
How does iOS 14 Digital Car Key work with Apple CarPlay?
Using the Digital Car Key in your car is easier than you might think. The process uses near-field communication (NFC), and your car door unlocks with a simple tap of your iPhone on the door. The Digital Car Key is not limited to just unlocking and starting the vehicle. It also makes your car safer and increases convenience. In case you lose your keys or iPhone, you can disable the keys via iCloud. In addition, Apple gives you the option to share your keys via iPhone with other users, if for example someone in your family needs your car but doesn't have the keys. So, you don't need to worry as you can share your key via iMessage. In addition, there is an option for limited access, such as the Restricted Driving mode, which is suitable for teenage drivers. However, you can also grant full access if you wish. In addition to these features, iOS 14 will also have exclusive EV routes in Apple Maps. Apple is working with renowned automakers like BMW and Ford to develop EV routing for its Maps app, and it plans to work with other automakers in the future.
Apple believes it will take the stress out of electric car owners. The Apple Maps app will automatically analyze your current battery percentage, weather, and other details and add charging stops to your route based on that data. Additionally, you will know which type of charger works for your car and will be prompted to stop only at compatible charging stations. There are similar apps, such as PlugShare, for locating Tesla charging stations, but it is not known whether this is inspired by Tesla or not. Either way, it is a great initiative, and from the videos that have leaked so far, it seems like a friendly and easy-to-use feature for people.
