The world of automotive technology is rapidly evolving, and one of the most exciting innovations in recent years is the Apple Car Key. This feature, introduced by Apple in 2020, allows users to unlock and start their cars using their iPhone or Apple Watch. But what cars can use Apple Car Key, and how does it work? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this technology and explore the vehicles that are compatible with it.
How Does Apple Car Key Work?
Apple Car Key uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to communicate with the car’s computer system. When a user’s iPhone or Apple Watch is brought near the car’s door handle or trunk, the NFC chip in the device sends a signal to the car’s computer, which then verifies the user’s identity and unlocks the door or trunk. To start the car, the user simply needs to place their iPhone or Apple Watch on the car’s NFC reader, usually located on the center console or steering column.
The Apple Car Key feature is integrated into the Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch, allowing users to store their car keys digitally. This means that users can access their car without needing a physical key, and they can also share their car keys with others using the Wallet app.
Security Features
One of the primary concerns with digital car keys is security. Apple has implemented several security features to ensure that the Apple Car Key is safe and secure. These features include:
- Authentication: The Apple Car Key uses Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate the user’s identity before unlocking the car.
- Encryption: The communication between the iPhone or Apple Watch and the car’s computer is encrypted, ensuring that the data is protected from unauthorized access.
- Secure Element: The Apple Car Key uses a secure element, a dedicated chip that stores sensitive information, to store the car’s keys.
What Cars Can Use Apple Car Key?
Currently, the Apple Car Key is compatible with a limited number of car models. However, the list of compatible cars is growing rapidly as more manufacturers adopt this technology. Here are some of the cars that can use Apple Car Key:
- BMW: The 2020 and later models of the BMW 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series, X5, X6, X7, and Z4 are compatible with Apple Car Key.
- Hyundai: The 2020 and later models of the Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe are compatible with Apple Car Key.
- Kia: The 2020 and later models of the Kia K5 and Sorento are compatible with Apple Car Key.
- Nissan: The 2020 and later models of the Nissan Leaf are compatible with Apple Car Key.
| Manufacturer | Model | Year |
|---|---|---|
| BWM | 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series, X5, X6, X7, Z4 | 2020 and later |
| Hyundai | Sonata, Santa Fe | 2020 and later |
| Kia | K5, Sorento | 2020 and later |
| Nissan | Leaf | 2020 and later |
Future Compatibility
While the current list of compatible cars is limited, more manufacturers are expected to adopt the Apple Car Key technology in the future. Some of the manufacturers that have announced plans to support Apple Car Key include:
- Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will support Apple Car Key in its future models, starting with the 2022 S-Class.
- Volvo: Volvo has announced that it will support Apple Car Key in its future models, starting with the 2022 XC90.
Benefits of Apple Car Key
The Apple Car Key offers several benefits to car owners, including:
- Convenience: The Apple Car Key eliminates the need to carry a physical key, making it easier to access the car.
- Security: The Apple Car Key uses advanced security features to protect the car from unauthorized access.
- Sharing: The Apple Car Key allows users to share their car keys with others using the Wallet app.
Limitations
While the Apple Car Key offers several benefits, there are some limitations to consider:
- Compatibility: The Apple Car Key is currently only compatible with a limited number of car models.
- Range: The Apple Car Key requires the iPhone or Apple Watch to be in close proximity to the car’s NFC reader, which can limit its range.
- Battery Life: The Apple Car Key requires the iPhone or Apple Watch to have sufficient battery life to function, which can be a concern for users who forget to charge their devices.
Conclusion
The Apple Car Key is a revolutionary technology that is changing the way we access our cars. With its advanced security features and convenience, it’s no wonder that more and more manufacturers are adopting this technology. While there are some limitations to consider, the benefits of the Apple Car Key make it an attractive option for car owners. As the list of compatible cars continues to grow, we can expect to see more widespread adoption of this technology in the future.
What is Apple Car Key and how does it work?
Apple Car Key is a feature that allows users to unlock and start their cars using their iPhone or Apple Watch. It uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to communicate with the car’s computer system, eliminating the need for a physical key. To use Apple Car Key, users need to have a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch and a car that supports the feature.
The process of setting up Apple Car Key is relatively straightforward. Users need to download the car manufacturer’s app and follow the prompts to add their car to the app. Once the car is added, users can use their iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock and start the car. The feature also allows users to share access to their car with others, making it convenient for car sharing or lending.
Which cars are compatible with Apple Car Key?
Apple Car Key is currently compatible with a limited number of cars, including the 2020 BMW 5 Series, 2021 BMW 6 Series, 2021 BMW 8 Series, 2021 BMW X5, 2021 BMW X6, 2021 BMW X7, 2021 BMW M5, and 2021 BMW M8. Other car manufacturers, such as Audi, Ford, and Hyundai, have also announced plans to support Apple Car Key in the future.
It’s worth noting that Apple Car Key is only compatible with cars that have NFC technology built-in. This means that older cars or cars without NFC technology will not be compatible with Apple Car Key. Additionally, some car manufacturers may require users to have a specific trim level or package to use Apple Car Key.
Do I need a specific iPhone or Apple Watch to use Apple Car Key?
To use Apple Car Key, users need to have an iPhone XS or later, or an Apple Watch Series 5 or later. This is because Apple Car Key requires the U1 chip, which is only available in these devices. The U1 chip is a ultra-wideband chip that allows for precise location tracking and is necessary for Apple Car Key to work.
In addition to having a compatible device, users also need to have iOS 14 or later installed on their iPhone. This is because Apple Car Key is a feature that is built into the iOS operating system, and users need to have the latest version of iOS to use it.
Is Apple Car Key secure?
Yes, Apple Car Key is a secure feature that uses encryption to protect user data. When users set up Apple Car Key, their car’s information is stored securely on their iPhone or Apple Watch. The information is also encrypted, making it difficult for hackers to access.
In addition to encryption, Apple Car Key also uses a secure authentication process to ensure that only authorized users can access the car. This means that even if someone else gets access to the user’s iPhone or Apple Watch, they will not be able to use Apple Car Key to unlock or start the car.
Can I use Apple Car Key with multiple cars?
Yes, users can use Apple Car Key with multiple cars. To do this, users need to add each car to the car manufacturer’s app and follow the prompts to set up Apple Car Key. Once multiple cars are added, users can switch between them easily using the app.
It’s worth noting that users can only have one car set as the default car at a time. This means that if users have multiple cars set up with Apple Car Key, they will need to select which car they want to use each time they want to unlock or start a car.
Can I share access to my car with others using Apple Car Key?
Yes, users can share access to their car with others using Apple Car Key. To do this, users need to go to the car manufacturer’s app and select the “Share Car” option. From there, users can enter the recipient’s email address and select the level of access they want to grant.
When users share access to their car, the recipient will receive an email with instructions on how to set up Apple Car Key. The recipient will need to have a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch and will need to download the car manufacturer’s app to use Apple Car Key.