Supposed Apple CarKey screenshots reveal how digital key feature works
A set of questionable screenshots shared on Twitter this week supposedly show off Apple's so-called "CarKey" feature for iOS, potentially offering a first look at the digital key that will ostensibly let users control vehicle systems with their iPhone and Apple Watch.
Alleged screenshots of Apple's CarKey interface. | Source: "DongleBookPro" via Twitter
A trio of screenshots from "DongleBookPro," captured on an iPhone running an unknown version of iOS, apparently demonstrates the feature with a key tied to a BMW i8.
It appears that digital keys are stored in the Wallet app, with enrolled cars listed as browsable cards. Tapping on a car's avatar brings up a screen that displays stored vehicle information, a digital key's issuer, an option to enable Express Mode, sharing settings and an option to remove the key from Wallet.
Much like HomeKit or other smart home locks, users can apparently share their CarKey with another iPhone owner. According to a third screenshot, access can be restricted to specific subsystems like door locks, trunk locks and a car's ignition. Support for other variables may exist. For example, some cars with wireless key fobs integrate safety driving modes that limit a driver's speed and other mechanical settings.
Express Mode, like Wallet's Express Transit feature, automatically enable CarKey without requiring authentication with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. In theory, this feature would allow users to simply walk up to their car, unlock and start it without pulling a device from their purse or pants. If the mode works similarly to Express Transit, the digital key might also work when an iPhone's battery is depleted.
Whether the screenshots are legitimate is unclear, as abnormalities suggest the images were manipulated. For example, the definition of Express Mode specifically mentions "Express Cards," while wording and text spacing on the "Set CarKey Access Type" screen is awkward. That said, early iOS software builds are more about functionality and less about polish.
The screenshots jibe with a report this week that, citing code from a leaked version of iOS 14, claimed BMW would be among the first carmakers to utilize CarKey if and when it debuts in a future version of iOS.
Apple's proprietary CarKey technology was initially discovered in an early iOS 13.4 beta in February. The feature failed to debut with the update's release on Tuesday. Beyond the API's existence, not much is known about the initiative. Reports indicate the system leverages NFC hardware on iPhone, and potentially Apple Watch, to communicate with a car's onboard computer to unlock, lock and start a vehicle.
The Cupertino tech giant has been investigating digital car key systems for years and in 2018 filed a patent application describing methods by which an iPhone can securely control a car's subsystems. Another patent, issued in November, detailed a solution that integrates Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband connectivity to determine a device's relative location before exchanging cryptographic keys with a target vehicle.
Apple is also a member of the Car Connectivity Consortium, an automotive industry group focusing on the development and integration of universal digital key technologies. The CCC is currently working toward Digital Key Release 3.0, a system that taps Bluetooth Low Energy and UWB technology to deliver passive, location-aware keyless access to smartphones and other mobile equipment.
Alleged screenshots of Apple's CarKey interface. | Source: "DongleBookPro" via Twitter
A trio of screenshots from "DongleBookPro," captured on an iPhone running an unknown version of iOS, apparently demonstrates the feature with a key tied to a BMW i8.
It appears that digital keys are stored in the Wallet app, with enrolled cars listed as browsable cards. Tapping on a car's avatar brings up a screen that displays stored vehicle information, a digital key's issuer, an option to enable Express Mode, sharing settings and an option to remove the key from Wallet.
Much like HomeKit or other smart home locks, users can apparently share their CarKey with another iPhone owner. According to a third screenshot, access can be restricted to specific subsystems like door locks, trunk locks and a car's ignition. Support for other variables may exist. For example, some cars with wireless key fobs integrate safety driving modes that limit a driver's speed and other mechanical settings.
Express Mode, like Wallet's Express Transit feature, automatically enable CarKey without requiring authentication with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. In theory, this feature would allow users to simply walk up to their car, unlock and start it without pulling a device from their purse or pants. If the mode works similarly to Express Transit, the digital key might also work when an iPhone's battery is depleted.
Whether the screenshots are legitimate is unclear, as abnormalities suggest the images were manipulated. For example, the definition of Express Mode specifically mentions "Express Cards," while wording and text spacing on the "Set CarKey Access Type" screen is awkward. That said, early iOS software builds are more about functionality and less about polish.
The screenshots jibe with a report this week that, citing code from a leaked version of iOS 14, claimed BMW would be among the first carmakers to utilize CarKey if and when it debuts in a future version of iOS.
Apple's proprietary CarKey technology was initially discovered in an early iOS 13.4 beta in February. The feature failed to debut with the update's release on Tuesday. Beyond the API's existence, not much is known about the initiative. Reports indicate the system leverages NFC hardware on iPhone, and potentially Apple Watch, to communicate with a car's onboard computer to unlock, lock and start a vehicle.
The Cupertino tech giant has been investigating digital car key systems for years and in 2018 filed a patent application describing methods by which an iPhone can securely control a car's subsystems. Another patent, issued in November, detailed a solution that integrates Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband connectivity to determine a device's relative location before exchanging cryptographic keys with a target vehicle.
Apple is also a member of the Car Connectivity Consortium, an automotive industry group focusing on the development and integration of universal digital key technologies. The CCC is currently working toward Digital Key Release 3.0, a system that taps Bluetooth Low Energy and UWB technology to deliver passive, location-aware keyless access to smartphones and other mobile equipment.
Comments
Looks like a typo when paired with the other options. Seems dubious to me.
https://www.tesla.com/blog/summon-your-tesla-your-phone
https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/02/13/apples-carkey-api-could-control-your-homekit-smart-lock-in-future
On topic:
Another CCC member, Hyundai introduced their version last year on their Sonata. Hyundai's version was based on Digital Key Release 2.0 so it doesn't have BT LE and UWB. I think Apple may be waiting for Release 3.0 that has has the two additional features incorporated.
Although I understand using the BMW i8 - brand recognition and the shared use of "i" - it's sort of odd in the same sense since the i8 has been discontinued.
Apple tends to crawl then walk then run with technology like this.
Full member list here and it includes just about every manufacturer and autonomous car platform.
https://carconnectivity.org/members/
But, yeah, in general trucks don't have trunks, but even if they did, the problems with that screenshot is that it's paid with the BMW i8 (a car), it's a misspelled title which a correctly spelled description for trunk access, and only makes sense as Trunk Access against the other two options of access the inside of the car, and access the inside of the car and drive it.
I am aware of the Ridgeline and it's "brother from another mother" Chevy Avalanche and their unique styling. As you noted, I was speaking generally.
Perhaps digitol is talking about fully autonomous cars like summoning a taxi/shared ride situation.
I will plead ignorance here.
My 2011 Lexus has keyless entry, just has a dongle I carry in my pocket. It's proximity based, in that if I am a few feet within my car, I can unlock my car. The key knows when it's inside the car, or outside the car - I am assuming Bluetooth, but this is an assumption. This is NOT a new technology, as it's been available as a Keyless option from many car brands for years.
Is Bluetooth as espoused by Apple something "new" that is only coming around to cars now, or is this support for existing cars as well?
This is "UWB technology to deliver passive, location-aware keyless access to smartphones and other mobile equipment." This is very much new tech for a smartphone and the future of our devices connecting with our automobiles. We could even see more automobiles following Tesla by not including and charging for key fobs after UWB is active in your iPhone and Watch.
I can't wait for my Watch to be able to unlock and start my vehicle. Like with NFC, I hope that it will also be usable when the Watch (or iPhone) is dead.