It seems that the car firm BMW has its Digital Key Plus ready almost ready to be launched early next year. This is an enhanced version of Apple's Car Keys feature and we say enhanced because it adds the ultra-wide technology that allows users to open and start your vehicle without removing the iPhone from your pocket.
This technology competes directly with Apple's, which is called Car Keys, and BMWs, which have a close relationship with Apple, would be prepared to launch this Digital Key Plus in Europe in late 2021 and in North America in early 2022.
The system is based on NFC technology and it seems that it is necessary to have the mobile device, which in this case is the iPhone, near the door of the vehicle for it to work. Once the car is opened, we can leave the mobile device anywhere and start without problem. This requires strong security and that is why BMW is quick to explain that Ultra wide band is really safe and accurate, so it is difficult for them to intercept the signal and they can steal the vehicle.
The iOS 13.6 version implemented this digital key technology and BMW was the first to use this feature in their cars. Now with the new iPhone 12 models and the previous iPhone 11 that already add this ultra-broadband support thanks to the U1 chip, they will have the option of using this new protocol. BMW Digital Key Plus in the coming year. These types of "keys" are stored on our devices just like the credit or debit cards we have in Wallet.
The rest of the brands could start adding this function shortly, as explained Business Korea today, Hyundai plans to adopt this kind of openness with Apple by the end of 2021, but this report does not indicate whether Hyundai will add the NFC version or the Ultra Wideband. Be that as it may, it is one more step to advance in this type of smart car technology.
