Apple Wallet and its CarKey functionality are receiving a bunch of new features with iOS 15. The Cupertino company has revealed its plan to totally eliminate the need to bring your wallet with you, and that definitely sounds ambitious.
Last year, Apple introduced the CarKey feature to its Wallet app. This feature allows the user to unlock and start his car without the need of a physical key. The first car manufacturer Apple to partner with on digital keys is BMW. The German car maker now supports digital keys in all of its models built from summer of 2020. The function is called BMW Digital Key and is available for the iPhone XR, XS or later, and the Apple Watch Series 5 or later. The Apple devices need iOS 13.6 or later and WatchOS 6.2.8 or later to support the feature.
iOS 15 adds support for Ultra Wideband technology. This is the same technology that currently automakers use in their keyless cars. This will allow users of the Apple feature to unlock and start their car without the need of pulling out their iPhone from their pocket, purse or bag, like with the current keyless electronic keys from carmakers.
You can start your BMW with Apple Wallet and share access to other iPhone users
To add a CarKey to Apple Wallet, you download your car manufacturer’s app from the App Store, check if it supports the new feature and then activate it. Apple hasn’t announced new partnerships with other car brands. You can always check with your dealer if the feature is available for your car.
You can also share your CarKey with other iPhone users, so they can use you car.
Real-estate keys
Apple is also introducing smart door locks support in its Wallet app. With iOS 15, you will be able to unlock your house, apartment or flat if it has the required door lock. This feature will use Face ID to verify your identity before unlocking your home.
The company also announced that the new home unlock feature in the Wallet app will support hotels and B&B’s too. A partnership with dozens of hotel brands was announced, with more than a thousand hotels supporting the feature by iOS 15’s release.
Smart door locks will be able to unlock your home with your iPhone. Hotels and B&Bs will also support the feature.
A couple of years ago, when Apple Pay was introduced, more and more retailers and services started offering the feature. With Apple’s intentions to replace your wallet, we can expect a similar big support of Digital Keys to come in the future.
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ID cards
What might be the biggest addition to the Wallet app is the announced addition of identity documents. Things like passports, driving licenses and other identification tools will be possible to use with the Apple Wallet app in participating US states. Airports will also be able to verify your identity with the app, as the US Transportation Security Administration is already working on supporting the new feature at airport security checkpoints. The digital identity cards will use the same security technology that is used in Apple Pay. This technology is hardware based, which allows it to be secure enough, so it is able to store your private information. ID cards are coming in the Wallet app later this year.
Digital IDs will be accepted in airports and some US states
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Iskren, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been passionate about technology since his childhood, sparked by his early experiences with phones like the Ericsson T28 and Sony Ericsson P910i. After earning a bachelor's degree in Media and Journalism, he turned his fascination with smartphones into a career, with a particular interest in Apple and Motorola. Outside of his tech pursuits, Iskren enjoys watching TV series, movies, driving, and has a deep passion for cars and Formula 1. He looks forward to the future of mobile tech, particularly the potential of rollable smartphones.
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