In 2020, Apple announced a new feature that would allow iPhone users to use their devices as digital car keys. The feature, called Car Key, allows users to unlock and start their cars using their iPhones. However, adoption of the feature has been slow, with only a few cars currently supporting it.
The recent appearance of the Car Keys Tests app on the App Store suggests that Apple is working with more manufacturers and developers to bring Car Key to more models. This is an exciting development for iPhone users who are eager to take advantage of this new feature. However, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed if Car Key is going to become a widely adopted technology.
One of the main challenges facing Car Key is the limited number of cars that currently support it. While BMW was the first manufacturer to support Car Key, it wasn’t until last year that Kia and Genesis adopted the technology. This slow adoption has been a major barrier to the wider adoption of Car Key.
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To address this challenge, Apple is working with more manufacturers and developers to bring Car Key to more models. The Car Keys Tests app is specifically designed for MFi developers and vehicle manufacturers, allowing them to test the performance and connectivity of Car Key on their devices. This will make it easier for more manufacturers to adopt the technology and make it available to their customers.
Another challenge facing Car Key is the limited range of the NFC standard used by the technology. Car Key’s NFC standard only works within a two-inch range between the phone and the receiver. This means that drivers must tap their phone against their car to use the feature, which may not be convenient for everyone. Although the feature can be used through the Apple Watch, the cost of buying one might not justify the convenience it provides.
To overcome this challenge, Apple needs to find a way to make Car Key more appealing to automakers and customers alike. While the company is doing everything it can to attract new automakers to the Car Key ecosystem, the feature itself may not be the best solution. Car Key seems to be a solution in search of a problem and is not significantly better than existing options.
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However, there are also significant opportunities for Car Key if Apple can overcome these challenges. For one, Car Key could provide a more convenient way for people to use their cars without having to carry a physical key. This could be especially useful for people who frequently misplace their keys.
Car Key also has the potential to provide a more secure way to access your car. With Car Key, your digital key is stored securely in your iPhone’s Wallet app, which requires Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to unlock. This makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your car by stealing your key.
Overall, Apple’s Car Key feature has the potential to be a game-changer for the automotive industry. However, to achieve widespread adoption, Apple needs to address the challenges facing Car Key and make it more appealing to automakers and customers alike. If they can do this, Car Key could become a widely adopted technology that makes it easier and more secure to use your car.
