BMW, Apple Announce Digital Key for iPhone – BMW of Elmhurst Dealer

At Apple’s recent Worldwide Developer Conference, attendees learned that BMW will be the first automaker to allow customers to use their iPhone as a digital car key. The BMW Digital Key will let drivers lock, unlock and drive their BMW vehicles. It’s as easy as placing the iPhone in the smartphone tray and pushing the start button. At BMW of Elmhurst, we’re proud that BMW is at the forefront of the latest technical innovations. BMW was the first to integrate iPod in vehicles and to offer wireless CarPlay. Now, the brand is the first to utilize the Digital Key technology.

Owners can set up the Digital Key through the BMW Smartphone App. Access can be shared with up to five friends. The BMW Digital Key allows drivers to limit certain parameters when younger drivers are behind the wheel, including the vehicle’s top speed, the horsepower, and the volume of the audio system.

Other features of the new BMW Digital key include secure storage in iPhones, access via Apple Wallet, a power reserve feature that allows the car key to function for up to five hours if the iPhone runs out of battery power, and compatibility with Apple Watch.

Digital Key for iPhone will be rolled out in 45 countries for a wide range of models manufactured after July 1, 2020. The new feature will be compatible with iPhone XR, iPhone XS or newer, and Apple Watch Series 5 or newer.

BMW and Apple also announced a new feature that will make it easier for CarPlay users to take BMW electric vehicles on longer journeys. Drivers can plan their trip on their iPhone in advance or enter their destination through Apple CarPlay when they get into the car. The Apple Maps app will choose the best route, taking into account the electric range and locations of charging stations along the way. This feature will be available in the electric BMW i4, which launches in 2021.