Apple makes secret app for cars – download it here
Back in 2020, Apple presented a way to open and start your car via your car’s Wallet app. A new, secret app should finally bring the CarKey function to more car brands. This is how you download it.
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CarKey via Wallet app on iPhone replaces car key
Open and start your car, without a key, simply via the Wallet app of your iPhone or Apple Watch? Sounds too good to be true, and in part it is. Although the CarKey function was already presented in 2020, it has not been available for very long. And only very recently was the feature extended to more cars outside of certain BMW models.
The practical feature is currently limited to certain BMW, Hyundai and Kia vehicles; other car brands have so far been excluded. Apple wants to finally change that. According to 9to5Mac, the company has added a companion app hidden to the App Store for testing purposes.
CarKey app only available with the direct link
So it is only accessible via a direct link, not via the App Store search function. According to the description, the app is for car manufacturers to test integration with the CarKey feature. Apple says the app should make it easier for automakers to go through all the certification processes. Apple has released the following:
Use the Car Keys Tests app to test and validate connectivity, performance, and other key requirements for the certification process in the vehicles you develop that incorporate Apple’s digital car key technology.
Possible preparation for more car partners
9to5Mac believes Apple has sent this app directly to partners in the past for them to test. This process is now easier as the app is on the App Store. Ideally, this could mean that Apple wants to accelerate the rollout of Car Key and quickly expand the feature to new cars and other manufacturers.
Car Key has the potential to be one of the most important innovations for the Wallet app. It works via NFC and can be used not only to unlock and start the car, but also to share car keys with other people. In that respect, this would be a welcome feature for many car brands.
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