Apple CarPlay is the third most used voice embedded assistant, boasting the biggest growth of 26.7% over the last 15 months. Today, Apple has added another exciting use of their iPhone line-up, letting you open and close your vehicle with a simple tap. Forget about carrying car keys with you or losing them when your iPhone can also double as an intelligent digital key. Available in select 2021 car models, it is now possible to unlock and start your auto with your iPhone.
Leave Your Keys At Home
Buying a car does not only involve choosing the best prices, it also vital to look at cars fitted with useful technology that can make driving easy and safe. Comparing models and their tech features is a smart move so that you get the best value for your money. For example, you might want to consider a model that works with Apple’s Digital Key. Instead of carrying a car key, you only need your phone to gain access to your automobile and lock it. It uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, permitting users to connect devices with a touch. Simply tap your phone on the door handle of the car to unlock it, and rest your device on the charging pad and start the car.
Digital keys are not only beneficial because they are one thing less to put in your pocket or purse: they are also securely embedded in a safe environment in your phone, and if you lose them, you just can turn them off remotely via iCloud. It is also easy to share them with others, eliminating trips to the dealership, and saving you time and money. With the digital key, all you need to do is grant access to any person. It even has a special function where you can restrict access such as maximum speed or radio volume – perfect for teen drivers. Access to the car is shared via iMessage, so you can grant and revoke it anytime, anywhere.
The 2021 BMW 5 Series Is The First To Integrate
Apple’s digital key is going to work first on the 2021 BMW 5 Series, which was released in July this year in the US. Packed with cutting-edge technology and performance upgrades, the car is part of the company/s efforts to expand its Apple-friendly services. There is also a power reserve feature in the BMW that can still juice up the car key for up to five hours after the iPhone switches off because of low battery.
Apple also aims to expand the number of models that will be compatible with its digital key. Besides adding this feature to iOS 14, it also plans to enable iOS 13 so that users can benefit from digital keys sooner rather than later. Apple is also working on standards with industry groups. Its U1 chip, which is available in iPhone 11, uses ultra-wide band technology for ‘precise spatial awareness’, allowing consumers to leave their mobiles in bags or pockets and still be able to lock or unlock their cars.
CarPlay is already showing drivers a smart and safe way to use the iPhone while driving receiving directions, taking messages, and making calls. With the introduction of digital keys, you can even have a more seamless experience by unlocking and starting your car with your phone.
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Jacqueline Cowell
Working as a motoring writer gave Jacqueline Cowell the chance to put her past experience as a mechanic to good use, once she became a mother and decided to stay at home with her two young children. She now puts together pieces for a range of different motoring websites, but in her free time restores classic vehicles with her husband. She is also a regular contributor to Apple Tech Talk.
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