Apple’s CarKey software feature might expand to include more cars in the future, as the feature is expected to arrive in Hyundai and Genesis vehicles this year.
Unveiled in WWDC 2020, Apple CarKey is a feature found in iPhones that enables drivers to unlock and start their compatible cars with their device by using a digital key inside the Wallet app on the iPhone.
By holding the iPhone near the door handle, the NFC built into the device will enable the vehicle to be unlocked and even start.
Following the launch of iOS 14, CarKey debuted on millions of devices, unfortunately, the expansion of the feature has been slow and (for now) only available for BMW vehicles. Today, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg is reporting that the feature is finally set to expand and we could see it supported in more cars ”“ those being Hyundai and its subsidiary Genesis ”“.
From his latest edition of his Power On newsletter Gurman notes that the feature will roll out to more cars this summer:
“Remember CarKey, the Apple feature announced a year and a half ago that lets you unlock and start your car from your iPhone’s Wallet app? I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re unfamiliar with it, given that Apple hasn’t discussed the feature in a while and it only works on select BMW models. I’m told that’s going to change soon. In line with code findings several months ago in iOS 15, I’m hearing that the next cars to get support for the feature will be models from Hyundai and its Genesis line. I’m told the functionality will roll out by the summer.”
This means we can expect the Cupertino-based giant to announce the expansion of CarKey during 2022’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event this June. With a rollout in the next couple of weeks following the event.
Back in September 2021, CarKey expansion was mentioned when a code inside the software mentioned Genesis as a “partner”, joining BMW in the Apple club.
Last year, Apple held discussions with Hyundai and Kia regarding a major partnership that will result in the upcoming Apple Car ”“ codenamed Titan ”“ being manufactured by one or both of the carmakers. However, talks were torn down following confirmations by the South Korean carmakers, angering the tech giant.
