Apple .. a major feature under development that links the iPhone to your car

Apple has released the first beta version for developers of its iOS 13.4 operating system, but there is one change behind the scenes hidden in the code indicating that at least one new major feature is under development that makes it possible to use the iPhone as a car key.

And in the beta version of the aforementioned operating system, there are references to an API called CarKey, which can be used with cars compatible with the NFC feature, which allows the use of an iPhone and Apple smart watch to open, lock and start the car.

The CarKey API itself is supposed to be used to authenticate with the onboard car computer, and according to the system's internal files, users only need to keep the device near the car for use as a key in a manner similar to some radio-based keyless entry systems.

Face ID authentication will not be necessary, as is the case with Express Transit cards, and this means that the feature will work even when the iPhone or Apple Watch battery runs out of power, other than features such as Apple Pay transactions that rely on iPhone to work.

Pairing occurs through the Wallet app and the car manufacturer's application, with the iPhone needing to be placed on an NFC reader for the initial pairing process, and there is other information related to the ability to share CarKey with other people, such as family members.

Drivers can access the key on their iPhone through the Wallet app, with the ability to limit the key to specific items, such as the ability to open and lock the car, but not drive it.

It appears that Apple is already working with some car manufacturers to implement the CarKey API, but it is not likely to be available to everyone until the official release of iOS 13.4.

Plans to give consumers the option to use an iPhone as a replacement for a car key became more likely after Car Connectivity released the Digital Key Release 1.0 standard for NFC-powered smartphone interactions with a car in June 2018, Apple is a member of the association, and is expected to implement the set standards By this technical group.