BMW announces feature that unlocks your car with your iPhone

BMW will become one of the first carmaker to enable its customers to use their iPhone as a fully digital car key, with Apple rolling out the CarKey feature on its next update.

Owners will be able to unlock their car using the BMW Digital Key function in their iPhone's Apple Wallet. The car will then start when your iPhone is placed in the smartphone tray and you press the engine start button.

The first car supported will be the new BMW 5 Series and the function will be introduced on the newest version of Apple’s iOS operating system; iOS 14. However, Apple says the feature will support the older iOS 13 software version as well. But, you'll need an iPhone XR, XS or newer for access to the digital keys.

Once you’ve paired your iPhone or Apple Watch with a car that supports the digital car keys, you need to hold your Apple device near the door handle, or any other an NFC reader that’s in your car.

You won’t be asked to confirm your identity with Face ID or a passcode, although you can turn off this 'Express Mode' for additional security.

If you want to share your car key, you’ll be able to do so via the Messages app. BMW owners will be able to share access with up to five people.

When sharing a digital car key, you’ll be able to restrict certain features in your car, such as limiting acceleration, top speed and stereo volume. You can revoke the keys at any time, too. 

Apple says the digital car keys work with no network connection and also work for up to five hours after your iPhone’s battery has run out. The tech giant says it won’t get data on when you access your car or who you share your car keys with either.

While several carmakers offer digital keys through their own smartphone apps, this is the first time Apple has introduced such a system as a standard part of its operating system.

The BMW Digital Key function will work on any 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 8 Series, X5, X6, X7 or Z4 built after 1 July this year.