Are Smartphones and Apps The Future Car Keys?

With rapid advances in technology pervading every aspect of life, it’s little surprise that smartphones and apps are now being integrated into the automotive industry. With the advent of features such as Apple’s CarKey, smartphones are being transformed into virtual car keys.

However, it’s fair to say that many cars do not yet have the capability to utilise smartphone and car key app technology, so the traditional remote fob still has a vital role to play. At Advanced Keys, our range of wholesale car keys, fobs, and reprogramming equipment is ideal for auto locksmiths and garage services looking to add an extra dimension to their portfolios.

In this article, we’ll explore the growing trend of using smartphones and apps as car keys and the potential impact on the future of automotive technology.

The Rise Of Smartphone Car Keys

Apple’s CarKey feature, which made waves in June 2020 when it was launched as part of the iOS 14 update, allows users to use their iPhone or Apple Watch as a virtual car key. With CarKey, compatible vehicles can be locked, unlocked, and started using a compatible device in a similar way to a physical key. The feature uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to enable users to activate the virtual key, which can then be used to unlock the vehicle by holding the device close to the door or to start the ignition by positioning it next to the car’s key reader.

Notably, manufacturers such as BMW, Ford, and Hyundai have already expressed their support for CarKey, highlighting the industry’s interest in this innovative concept.

Convenience And Integration

The adoption of smartphones as car keys offers numerous benefits:

• Convenience: Drivers no longer have to carry a physical key and, as most people take a smartphone everywhere they go, the technology blends seamlessly into their everyday life, eliminating the need to carry a physical key.
• Integration With Other Technology: Smartphone car keys enable seamless integration with other vehicle-related features and apps, from remote control functions to personalised settings and preferences.
• Enhanced User Experience: By acting as digital keys for cars, smartphones can become a centralised hub for different car-related functionalities, improving the overall user experience.

More Robust Security And Flexibility

Smartphone car keys offer enhanced security features compared to traditional keys. For example, biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, can be utilised to block unauthorised access to the vehicle, while smartphone car keys can be digitally shared with others to provide greater flexibility and control of user permissions. Temporary or limited access can be granted to family members or service providers without the need for physical key duplication, thereby reducing the need to constantly track the location of physical keys.

Contact Us To Find Out More

While it’s likely that smartphones and apps will be the car keys of the future, the physical remote fob still has an important role to play in the automotive industry.

For more information about our extensive range of products for garages and auto locksmiths, please explore our website and get in touch if you require friendly, expert help.

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