I still remember when I took part in a BMW M3 competition for the first time to try out Apple CarKeyApple technology that allows us to leave the car key at home and drive alone with our iPhone or Apple Watch in our pocket. This is not to be confused with CarPlay, which is the navigation, entertainment and apps system. CarKey is also present in the automotive sector, but at a higher level.
And one of the principles of technology is to make our lives easier. To do this, we have a thousand ways to take advantage of it: paying with Apple Pay, knowing that our photos are always safe with iCloud… and even using the iPhone or Apple Watch as a car key. After all, many car keys are already NFC and you don’t even have to physically insert them to drive.
What is Apple CarKey?
Apple CarKey is one of the most interesting, although little-known, innovations. With it we can leave the car key at home and drive as if we had it with us. Specifically, CarKey allows us to add a digital key to our vehicle to the Wallet app on our iPhone or Apple Watch. With this digital key we can open, close and start the car without having to carry a physical key.
How does CarKey work?
How CarKey works is surprisingly simple. Of course, you will need to have a car compatible with this technology. Depending on the brand, registration will be done in one way or another
As you approach, the car will detect your iPhone or Apple Watch and unlock automatically. You can start the car from the inside and when you drive away it locks by itself. You will have to bring the iPhone closer to the handlebarsand inside the car, as in the case of the BMW I tested, place it where wireless charging takes place.
Benefits of using CarKey over a traditional car key
- Comfort: You don’t need to take your keys out of your pocket or bag.
- Share access: You can share your digital key with other iPhone users quickly and securely.
- Security: You can remove access to a shared key at any time.
- Works even without battery: On most models, CarKey works for up to 5 hours after your iPhone’s battery runs out.
- Express mode: You can set CarKey to work without needing to unlock your device or authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or a password.
What do I need to use CarKey?
The most important thing to be able to use CarKey is to have a compatible car model. And, just as CarPlay took years to arrive, models currently available are reduced and usually big brands. Nevertheless, Apple has announced greater compatibility with the models, and by opening the NFC standard with iOS 18, there will be more possibilities than ever to be able to open the car with the iPhone and drive it.
- A compatible car (we will see the models later).
- An iPhone XS or later, or an iPhone SE (2nd generation), with the latest version of iOS.
- An Apple Watch Series 5 or later, or Apple Watch SE, with the latest version of watchOS.
- An Apple ID account associated with the vehicle.
CarKey Compatible Makes and Models
Currently, these are the makes and models that support CarKey. Models will be updated as new versions come out. On the Apple website on CarPlay and key compatibility you will find all the information.
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BMW |
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|---|---|
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BYD |
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Genesis |
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Hyundai |
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KIA |
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Mercedes |
Apple is preparing to expand CarKey support to three new brands:
But it remains to be seen whether this will be effective with a software update for existing models or only for cars that come to market after the deal.
How to add a CarKey digital key
For theadd a digital key to your iPhoneyou will need to follow the steps determined by the car manufacturer. Generally, here are the steps to follow:
- Open the car appthe email received or the QR code that will be displayed on the car screen to add the CarKey.
- With CarKey detected, you will only have to add it to the Wallet application.
- To sync your car and iPhone, follow the instructions. Typically this will involve placing the iPhone on the key reader. This is usually an enabled area inside the car, such as where the wireless charging base is located.
How to Share Your iPhone CarKey with Someone Else So They Can Drive
This is one of the best features of CarKey: being able to send the key to someone else. You can set different permissionslike simply accessing the car, the trunk, driving it, etc. And of course, you can define a number of accesses or a key loan duration.
- Open the Wallet app and select your car key.
- Tap the Share button.
- Choose how you want to share the key (Messages, Mail, AirDrop) and configure permissions.
What’s it like to use CarKey every day?
After using CarKey on the BMW for the duration of the car loan, I can say that it is one of the most liberating experiences there is. The convenience of not having to search for your keys, have them in your pocket or forget them in a jacket. Wanting to take the car but remembering that you have the key at home and you have to get in… Yes, it’s small changes, like paying with Apple Pay. But who would turn around?
Regarding security, many people are surprised that I trust opening the car with my iPhone. What to do if you lose it? Apart from that you always have the traditional spare key at homeWithout your Face ID or code, no one can access the car, making it infinitely more secure than a traditional key. With a physical key, they can steal it and open your car without any problem.
Apple CarKey is one of those functions that makes the difference, both when choosing an iPhone or a specific car model. And although for now limited to certain high-end modelsthe list of compatible vehicles will grow quickly and, as with CarPlay, in a few years, many cars (and of all prices) will have integrated it.
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