The first beta version of iOS 13.4 contains a few changes. But a particularly interesting feature seems to be the “CarKey” function.
The US blog 9to5mac has among the first iOS 13.4 Beta discovered an interesting feature – CarKey. The function supports unlocking/locking, starting and sharing NFC car keys. So iOS 13.4 could convert the iPhone into a car key. This is what the 9to5mac-Article:
iOS 13.4 contains references to a "CarKey" API that will allow the iPhone and also the Apple Watch to be used to unlock, lock and start a car. According to the system's internal files, users will be able to use the CarKey in NFC-compatible cars, as they only need to hold the device near the vehicle to use it as a key.
To use the feature, no additional authorization via Face ID or Touch ID will be necessary. It works in a similar way to how a public transport card works with Apple Pay. This means that neither the iPhone nor the Apple Watch need to be turned on.
How CarKey works under iOS 13.4
All you have to do is hold the iPhone or Apple Watch to the interface to activate the desired process. The pairing process is carried out via the Wallet app. The iPhone must be in the car. If the vehicle is compatible with CarKey, a corresponding message will be displayed on the iPhone. After setting it up, the NFC tag can simply be transferred to the Apple Watch. The whole thing can also be shared with family members - as 9to5mac explains. All you have to do is invite the desired person via the Wallet app. It is not yet known which car manufacturers Apple is already cooperating with. It can be assumed that the implementation will take some time. (Photo by ra2studio / Bigstockphoto)
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