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CarKey was introduced in 2020 with iOS 13.6. As the name suggests, car owners can use their iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the doors and even start the car.
Currently, CarKey works with both NFC and Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology. But Apple may discontinue NFC support in the future. This is suggested by the latest beta version of iOS 16.4. Code from iOS 16.4 Beta 3, which was published by 9to5Mac discovered indicates that CarKey will no longer support NFC technology in the future. New strings added to the iPhone operating system state that a car is "not compatible with this iPhone/Apple Watch model" for devices that only support NFC.
CarKey: Will Apple completely eliminate the NFC function?
NFC (or Near Field Communication) is the same technology used for Apple Pay. The device must be held close to the reader to establish a connection and transfer data. UWB, on the other hand, is a more modern and intelligent technology that can accurately measure the distance between two devices. In addition, UWB is more secure than NFC. Apple's AirTag is an example of a device that works with ultra-wideband technology. When it comes to the car key, the feature works with the iPhone XS or later and the Apple Watch Series 5 or later, as these devices all come with NFC technology to read transponders. However, devices equipped with the U1 chip can use UWB technology to improve the use of the car key.
U1 chip: These devices are compatible
If new cars do indeed lose NFC support for CarKey, these vehicles will require a device with the U1 chip:
- iPhone 11 models
- iPhone 12 models
- iPhone 13 models
- iPhone 14 models
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
As you can see, this not only excludes older iPhone and Apple Watch models, but also the iPhone SE and Apple Watch SE, as neither of them are equipped with the U1 chip. Of course, it may still be a while before this change comes into effect. But Apple is already preparing its operating system for it.
More about iOS 16.4
iOS 16.4 comes with many new features. These include dozens of new emoji, updates to music and podcast apps, a new HomeKit architecture, a preview of Mastodon links in messages, and much more. The update is expected to be released in late March or early April. (Image: Apple)
