Every time a new version of iOS is released, there are people digging in to find hidden stories. That way we get new functions that Apple plans to implement in its operating system, before the company announces.
The first beta version of iOS 13.4 was released yesterday. 7:00 pm, Spanish time, as always. Just an hour later we already have news about a new job hidden inside: CarKey. By that name, you don't have to be a Sherlock Holmes to find out what. Apple wants us to look like James Bond soon …
It looks like Apple is taking the first steps to make the iPhone or Apple Watch work as a smart car key. And this is not a rumor of Kui, but an API called "CarKey" was discovered yesterday within the new beta version of iOS 13.4. This API may be used for vehicles with some type of NFC support.
Exactly with this API CarKey can unlock the car, start, and lock again. A program like that already has the so-called smart locks that most cars install. The difference is that the current buttons operate on the radio frequency, and the new system will use the NFC wireless protocol.
The notable difference in the Apple Pay NFC system, for example, is that CarKey will even work with the phone off. It's unacceptable that you can't use your car when your iPhone runs out of battery. This function is already used with the American Express Transit Card. Pairing is done through the Wallet system and its own car manufacturer.
You can share your CarKey with others, invite them via Wallet, and change it if you want their rights. You can give a car access to another user, but who can start it, for example. It's a good idea, no doubt.
Apple is a founding member of the Car Connecaction Consortium. A multinational technology group that published in 2018 the first Digital Key Release 1.0 standard for smartphone and NFC-compatible vehicles. That, along with the several patents granted to the company for pairing the iPhone with cars via Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband, makes us think that we will soon keep the car key, next to a driver's license, held at night.
