Apple announced Car Keys at WWDC 2020, unveiling a new feature that allows digital car keys to be added to a user’s Wallet app on an iPhone running iOS 13 or iOS 14, allowing the device (as well as the Apple Watch) to be used in lieu of a physical car key.
The feature allows users to hold their iPhone up to the door handle, and can also start the car when the iPhone is placed in the smartphone tray in the vehicle, Users can share access to the car with up to five friends or family members.
The first Car Keys partner, BMW, today added support for the feature to its BMW Connected app. A BMW Digital Key for the iPhone can now be added to the Wallet app on the iPhone.
BMW’s Digital Key for iPhone feature works with a number of BMW models: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M, and Z4 if manufactured after July 1st 2020. Compatible vehicles will be shown on the vehicle tab in the app.
The feature requires an iPhone XR, XS, or newer is required, and Apple Watch compatibility is restricted to the Apple Watch Series 5 or newer.