It no longer requires a metal key or traditional remote to start your car. iPhone users can now take advantage of the “Digital Car Key” feature to unlock, lock, and start their car engines with one touch, or even by simply approaching the car.
Technical reports indicate that the process requires adding the car’s virtual key to the “Apple Wallet” application on the phone. Users can follow these steps:
1. Ensure that the car is compatible with Apple systems (such as recent BMW, Honda, and Nissan models).
2. Bring the phone close to the door handle to open the lock using NFC technology.
3. To start the engine, it is sufficient to place the iPhone in the designated place (such as the key reader or wireless charging base) and press the start button in the car.
In addition to the original “Apple” feature, manufacturers’ applications (such as My BMW or MyNISSAN) allow you to start the engine remotely from anywhere, with the aim of adjusting the cabin temperature before entering. This feature requires linking the car to the user’s account through the company’s official application, while ensuring that there is an Internet connection for both the car and the phone.
This technology provides high levels of security, as it allows the owner to “share” the digital car key with family members via the “Messages” application, with the possibility of imposing speed restrictions or specifying hours of use. The “Power Reserve” feature in the “iPhone” also ensures that the digital key continues to operate for up to 5 hours, even after the phone’s battery runs out.
