Apple has announced a new digital car key function at its WorldWide Developers Conference (WWDC) this week.

The WWDC is a major event for the technology giant, Apple, and it’s where the firm announced the iOS 14 software update for iPhone. Interestingly, the update will include a new digital car key function, called CarKey.

The CarKey allows iPhone and Apple Watch users a new way of accessing and starting their compatible vehicle using Near-Field Communication (NFC). The feature will be first used on the updated BMW 5 Series which is due in South Africa towards the end of 2020.

With the digital key, users no longer need to carry the physical key and the vehicle can be accessed by tapping their iPhone/watch near the door handle to unlock the car and the car can be started by simply placing the iPhone in the smartphone tray.

The digital key can also be shared with family members or friends. More so, the owner can set various parameters of access including engine start, top speed, engine output, sound volume and so forth.

Interestingly, even if your iPhone runs out of battery power, you will still be able to use the digital key for up to 5 hours after the phone has shut down. Most BMW models produced after 1 July 2020 will support the digital key and the feature will be offered in at least 45 countries.

Compatible smartphones include iPhone XR, XS or new while the digital key will work on the Apple Watch Series 5 or newer.

An enhanced digital key is also expected to launch next year and will allow users to unlock their vehicle without the need to tap your iPhone or Watch on the door handles. In other words, it will simply unlock as soon as you approach the car.

Buy a BMW 5 Series on Cars.co.za

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