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Apple introduced the CarKey feature at WWDC 2020 and confirmed it as part of iOS 13.6. The BMW Connected app has now been updated.
The Munich-based carmaker has updated the BMW Connected app and added the CarKey feature. This allows the iPhone and Apple Watch to store a digital car key in the Wallet app. Compatible vehicles can then be locked, unlocked and started using NFC. This is what the release note:
At the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference, BMW and Apple announced that BMW will be the first automaker to allow its customers to use the iPhone as a fully digital car key. The close relationship between the two companies resulted in a real BMW car key that is stored securely on the iPhone in Apple Wallet.
With the BMW Digital Key for iPhone, you can lock and unlock your car by holding the iPhone to the door handle, and start it by placing the iPhone in the smartphone holder. The vehicle owner can also share access with up to 5 friends. The Digital Key will also be available via your Apple Watch. The Digital Key can be set up via the BMW Connected app, while the digital key is stored in Apple Wallet after setup.
iOS 13.6 will be released soon
BMW further explains that the CarKey function supports a "wide range of models." It lists the following models:
We are pleased to announce the availability of Digital Key for iPhone for a wide range of models: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M and Z4 if manufactured after July 1, 2020. If your vehicle is capable, it will appear in the Vehicle tab.
The following iPhone and Apple Watch models are required to use CarKey provided: iPhone XR, iPhone XS or newer and Apple Watch Series 5 and above. The feature can be used as soon as Apple has rolled out iOS 13.6 to all users. Since BMW has already updated its own app, the release of iOS 13.6 should be imminent. (Image: Apple)
