BMW finally allows the iPhone to be used as a digital key

Some brands already allow a mobile phone to be used as a digital key, but until now these only worked with Android devices. Now, at the recent Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, BMW has announced that it will be the first manufacturer to offer the possibility of using an iPhone as if it were a digital key to access the same functions as the vehicle’s physical key.

The German manufacturer thus scores another point in its ambition to offer Apple brand followers integration between their cars and Apple devices. Let us recall that BMW was already the first to integrate the iPod, and more recently it was also the first to introduce wireless CarPlay connectivity.

What can I do with the BMW digital key for the iPhone?

By linking the device with the BMW smartphone app, it will even be possible to leave the car keys at home. You can lock or unlock the doors, or start the engine with the “Start” button once the iPhone has been placed in its corresponding tray.

It is also possible to share access to the vehicle with up to 5 different users, including options such as setting maximum speed or power, as well as the maximum radio volume, depending on the user profile. Access can be managed both through Apple Wallet and from inside the vehicle. Other features include compatibility with the Apple Watch and sending access to other users via iMessage.

And what happens if the iPhone runs out of battery and I don’t have the car key? BMW says the smartphone will keep working as a “digital key” for about 5 hours after the battery has run out.

Which BMW models are compatible with the iPhone as a key?

The digital key using the smartphone will be available in 45 countries, practically across the whole BMW model range, but only for vehicles manufactured from 1 July 2020 onwards. As for the smartphone, an iPhone XR, XS or newer, and an Apple Watch 5 or later are required.

More features for Apple CarPlay

Another novelty announced by Apple and BMW is the new function to improve the user experience on long journeys for owners of a BMW electric car.

The new function will take the route into account, whether the destination is chosen directly or intermediate stops are planned, in order to select the most favourable route based on the battery range at that moment, as well as the location of charging stations. It will debut in the new BMW i4, which will go on sale in 2021.