Apple Unlocks Your Car With Messages

Apple's Car Key lets you lock your vehicle and start it with an iPhone or Apple Watch compatible. You can also share your access with family and friends. This can be a one-time arrangement or a regular arrangement. It is securely encrypted and managed via Messages.

To use Express Mode, your device must be in proximity to the car. For more details, contact your car manufacturer or dealership.

What is the key blank?

A key blank is a piece metal that hasn't yet been cut to a specific bitting. The bitting is the cross-sectional contour of the key, which is in line with a particular lock cylinder. The blank key may also be imprinted by the manufacturer with their logo. The flat end or bow of the key can also be associated with a particular brand. This information can then be used to identify keys with similar flat ends.

The blank on the key can be stamped with a message like "Do not duplicate this key" or "It's illegal to duplicate this key." In certain countries, these keys are protected through patent or design, and are only sold through licensed dealers. Dealers are usually locksmiths in the automotive industry, and are able to only sell these keys under the terms of their license agreement with the owner.

What is the main profile?

At the annual Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, Apple introduced an innovative method to unlock and start your car using the iPhone. Apple Car Key uses the phone's built-in Bluetooth connectivity to communicate with the vehicle. Apple Car Key uses the accelerometer of the phone to track your vehicle's proximity. This technology will let drivers keep their phones in the pocket even when the car is locked, and it will function even if the phone is tilted or if it's in an armband.

The feature isn't available in every car just yet. The feature is currently only available on certain Mercedes and BMW models. The list includes 2021 and 2022 BMW 1,2,3,4,5,6, and 8 Series, X5, and SUVs with X7 as well as the i4, i8,and iX electric cars. Mercedes-Benz offers Car Key compatibility for its 2023 E-Class SUVs and sedans.

In contrast to third-party digital keys that require special hardware in the car and a dedicated app on the phone, Apple Car Key works via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Ultra Wideband (UWB). The latter is faster than NFC and has built-in protection against relay attacks that may cause phones to become unlocked even when they're not in close proximity. Apple Car Key requires an iPhone XS running iOS 12.2 and a new Apple Watch Series 5 with software version 7.5.

Once paired with after pairing, the iPhone can be used to open and close doors and windows, start the car, adjust settings, and even access Express Mode. Express Mode allows drivers to keep their iPhone in their pockets and then automatically unlock the car with a tap on the lock button, in the event that they're wearing an Apple Watch or have a device that has Apple CarPlay installed.

Once a Car Key is installed, the keys in the car can be shared through iMessage with family and friends. You can even grant temporary access to a house-sitter. Those temporary keys are tokenized within the Wallet application, just like credit cards, hotel room keys, and IDs.

What is the main purpose?

At WWDC in 2020, Apple announced a new API called Car Key that lets an iPhone replace the key that is physically present in a compatible car. It requires specialized hardware and hasn't yet been widely used, but it is coming and could be a game-changer for the automotive industry.

Car Key requires a compatible vehicle from the list above in addition to an iPhone or Apple Watch running the latest versions of iOS and watchOS. The user will then be able to download the app of the car manufacturer or open an email or text message display in their car and follow the directions on screen. Once they have a digital key in the Wallet, they can lock and unlock their car by just a few clicks of their phone or start the engine using Express Mode by approaching their vehicle using their iPhone or Apple Watch.

Once Car Key has been set up Sharing access is simple. This works similar to time-limited electronic access to the smart door lock and the owner can invite others via the Wallet app or even just send them an iMessage. Once someone has completed using the car, the owner is able to deactivate their keys by sending them a notice. Tokenized access also offers security benefits as only the owner's phone or token is able to open the car.

The exact function is dependent on the model of vehicle however it could include passive entry where the car locks automatically and starts when you approach it with your device, or remote capabilities which allow you to control the vehicle from a distance when you're in an emergency situation or don't want to use your hands. It is also able to be controlled via Siri, and you can access it with a passcode or Touch ID or FaceID to authenticate and unlock your car.

At the moment there is only BMW has chosen to offer Car Key in a big manner, but other brands are likely to get to the party soon. For instance, reprogram Volkswagen Key fob and Hyundai are both members of the Car Connectivity Consortium, which has developed a digital keys specification, and those manufacturers could soon adopt the feature.

What is the key technology for a company?

Some manufacturers have developed digital volkswagen golf key replacement solutions. However, they are typically complex and require hardware installed inside the vehicle. The technology hasn't been widely adopted because of concerns about cybersecurity. One company has attempted to simplify the process by mixing NFC with mobile applications for phones to create an electronic key that can be used anyplace.

Also known as Apple Car Key, the feature lets you unlock and start your car using an iPhone or Apple Watch. The feature works through an NFC connection to the vehicle, and is backed by certain BMW, Kia and Hyundai models. To use the digital car key you'll require a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch and follow the instructions of the car manufacturer for setting up the feature. Once you've completed that, the app can be used to unlock your car and perform other functions like starting the engine.

Apple Car Key was introduced at WWDC 2020, however it's just now being made available in a few cars. It is based on the CCC Digital Key specification and is based on NFC hardware that is built into your phone, but it also uses a wireless technology called Ultra-Wideband (UWB). It is believed to be more secure than alternatives such as the Audi Connected Key, because it uses UWB instead of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and also has built-in protections against relay attacks.

A unique device identifier is sent to the manufacturer of your car when you create Car Keys, which it could be matched with other information that it holds about you based on privacy policies. You can then send a token anyone within the Messages application to allow them to unlock the car and start it. You can also limit how fast they can drive the car.

This type of technology even though it's still relatively new could change the way that we drive. However, it's going to take some time before it becomes widespread as there are many barriers to adoption. First, the auto industry will have to agree on a common technology set-up. Then there are the security and privacy concerns consumers have.