Malcolm Owen
The Car Connectivity Consortium has published Digital Key Release 3.0, a specification change that could allow Apple's CarKey to unlock vehicles while still in the driver's pocket.
The Digital Car Key Release 3.0 was originally said in April to include extra wireless connectivity elements, which could feasibly enable systems like Apple's CarKey to unlock and control compatible cars at a distance. On Tuesday, the CCC finalized the specifications, enabling CCC members to use them in their systems.
Apple is a member of the CCC, and it uses specifications from the organization to power CarKey. It is highly likely that changes to the specification will be adopted by Apple over time.
The 3.0 release works on top of the previous 2.0 specification, by adding "hands-free, location-aware keyless access." The specification primarily does this by enabling support for Ultra Wideband alongside Bluetooth LE, complementing the existing NFC-based system.
Authentication of the digital key between the vehicle and the mobile device is performed over Bluetooth LE in version 3.0. Meanwhile, Ultra Wideband enables accurate distance measurement, which can help prevent attacks from alternate communications sources, enhancing security.
UWB measurements can even enable distance-based features, such as unlocking doors when the key-enabled device is nearby, or for starting the vehicle without leaving the user's pocket.
Keep up with everything Apple in the weekly AppleInsider Podcast — and get a fast news update from AppleInsider Daily. Just say, "Hey, Siri," to your HomePod mini and ask for these podcasts, and our latest HomeKit Insider episode too. If you want an ad-free main AppleInsider Podcast experience, you can support the AppleInsider podcast by subscribing for $5 per month through Apple's Podcasts app, or via Patreon if you prefer any other podcast player.
Charles Martin
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Wesley Hilliard
Andrew Orr
7 Comments
Nice new update. Now if only this technology was universally adopted by car manufacturers besides just BMW limited to a single series. My hope is, like apple carplay, more car manufactures will adopt this feature or have a 3rd party aftermarket available so loads more people can just use their iPhones for everything. Trust me, this beats losing your only one key fob in the sofa cushions for 2 weeks!
We have the existing Car Key and I use this on my phone with my wife's car. That way don't have to worry about another key fob when I happen to drive her car. While I would like to be able to not take the phone out of my pocket to unlock or drive, like you can with the factory fob, I don't have any need to unlock the car before I touch the door handle. I pass by my wife's car every day to get to mine and don't need the car unlocking and hopefully re-locking as I walk to mine.
What tesla does basically