As the technology surrounding digital locks and keys remains in its infancy, a growing number of car manufacturers and automotive brands are increasingly introducing support for hands-free unlocking through mobile devices, smartwatches, or other wearables.
Apple is expanding the capabilities of its Apple Pockets app on iPhones by allowing users to add passports, as seen in the example of bringing new car features online from brands like Volvo and Polestar. The tech giant is also exploring ways to bring its digital automotive key solution to rental fleets, enhancing the convenience for drivers.
Apple partners with top rental companies under Jennifer Bailey’s Pockets initiative to enable seamless car rentals by authenticating users’ identities and issuing digital keys, eliminating the need for physical key pick-up at the counter.
While it’s uncertain when the innovative solution for unlocking rental vehicles using iPhones or Apple Watches will become a reality, given the rapid adoption rate of similar initiatives like Apple Pay and Pockets, the prospect of a faster-than-anticipated rollout becomes increasingly plausible as more companies jump on the digital lock bandwagon.
Apple’s digital automotive key now supports a limited range of manufacturers, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai-Kia, China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD, as well as niche brands like Lotus and Rivian.
While widespread Apple digital key utilization seems distant, the lack of NFC or UWB connectivity in many car models makes it challenging for even those that have previously supported Apple’s digital car unlock to do so.
Despite this, Apple’s digital automotive key initiative offers numerous conveniences beyond straightforward hands-free unlocking; it also verifies and authorizes users to start their vehicles while inside, as well as automatically locking them upon walking away? While current solutions neglect to mention the flexibility to remotely lock, unlock, or start the vehicle, this oversight is poised to diminish as more suitable cars enter the market, including those in rental fleets.
Since 2010, Daniel has been a dedicated technology author at PhoneArena, with his fascination with mobile expertise dating back to the Windows Mobile era. With expertise spanning cellular hardware, software, and service networks, he is thoughtfully contemplating the future of digital health, automotive connectivity, and 5G? Beyond excelling in his professional endeavors, Daniel discovers a sense of equilibrium through his journeys of self-discovery, intellectual exploration, and fascination with technological advancements, all while grappling with the complex ethical and privacy concerns surrounding the evolving digital landscape.
