BMW is to enable its customers to use the iPhone as a fully digital car key.

The technology will allow customers to unlock with a tap and get going by placing the iPhone in the smartphone tray and pushing the start button. Setup of the Digital Key can be done through the BMW Smartphone App.

The car owner can share access with up to five friends including a configurable car access option for young drivers which restricts top speed, power, maximum radio volume and more. Management of access can be done from inside the car as well as through Apple Wallet.

Additional features of the new Digital Key include:

• Storage in the Secure Element of your iPhone and access through Apple Wallet
• Power reserve for iPhone where car keys will still function for up to five hours if the iPhone turns off due to low battery
• Apple Watch compatibility

Digital Key for iPhone will be available in 45 countries for a broad range of models: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M and Z4 if manufactured after July 1st 2020. Compatible iPhone models will be iPhone XR, iPhone XS or newer and Apple Watch Series 5 or newer.

Source: Motor Trader E-magazine (July 2020)

9 July 2020