New features for Apple’s popular CarPlay smartphone feature will allow drivers of just about every new BMW to leave their keys home by the end of the year, with more automakers to come.
Many more, if CarPlay’s current popularity is any guide. The feature, which projects music, navigation, phone and other top features from your iPhone to a car’s touch screen, is already available on 97% of new vehicles sold in the United States and 80% worldwide, according to presentations at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference this week.
CarPlay and other automotive features figured prominently in the conference, one of the tech world’s annual highlights.
Apple watches work, too
The digital key feature uses standards set by the Car Connectivity Consortium, so it’s a safe bet other automakers will rush to make it available on their vehicles.
In addition to lock/unlock and start, it can be used to restrict certain drivers’ – read: teenagers – speed, area of operation, the ability to disable safety features and max audio volume.
It will initially operate on near field communication, which means you must hold the key near the door handle to get in, and put your phone on a charging pad to drive away. Upgrades next year will let the feature work without taking the phone from your purse or pocket. The feature debuts on the new BMW 5-series sport sedan next month.
You’ll be able to text iPhone access to your car to other phones for up to six users. Other automakers may choose a different number of users.
The upgrades will be part of the upcoming iOS 14 operating system, but it will also work on phones using the current iOS.
Apple watches will also get the feature. Each user can authorize a watch as well as their phone.
New features for Apple maps
Some brands, including Lincoln and Hyundai, already have apps that allow smartphones to function as keys. The CarPlay feature opens the door to letting more drivers enjoy that convenience.
All the system’s data and capabilities will reside behind the iPhone’s security wall, and phones and watches can be disabled remotely through Apple’s cloud.
Virtually every car and SUV BMW builds should have the feature by the end of the year.
CarPlay will also get new wallpaper and auto-oriented apps for parking, charging electric vehicles and ordering food.
Crucially, the feature will work on residual power, allowing operation for five hours after the iPhone’s battery is too low to perform other functions.
In another mobility development, Apple Maps – which the company promises has improved with charming sincerity – will add routing to maximize electric vehicle range and access to charging stations.
Contact Mark Phelan at 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter.
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