Key Points: BMW is ready to start using a digital car key. The new update of the BMW connected app adds support for Apple’s Car Key feature. The BMW 540i model will be the first to support Apple’s digital car key.
According to the latest development, BMW has issued an update to its BMW Connected app that adds support for Apple’s new digital car key feature. The new update allows BMW owners to unlock their cars using the compatible iPhone model.
In today’s release notes, BMW guides that the Digital Car Key for the iPhone will not only allow owners to lock or unlock their cars, but it will also enable BMW owners to start their cars by placing the iPhone in the vehicle’s smartphone tray. The BMW lets users share their digital car key with five limited people.
Apple’s car key will support these BMW models
- The 1
- The 2
- The 3
- The 4
- The 5
- The 6
- The 8
- The X5
- The X6
- The X7
- The M5
- The M8
- The X5 M
- The X6 M
- The Z4
Following Apple devices are compatible with BMW connected app
iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation) and Apple Watch Series 5. BMW Digital Key will require the upcoming iOS 13.6 and WatchOS 6.2.8.
Here are the full release notes by BMW:
At the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference BMW and Apple announced that BMW will become the first carmaker to enable its customers to use iPhone as a fully digital car key. The strong relationship of both companies led to a real BMW car key stored securely on iPhone in Apple Wallet.
The BMW Digital Key for the iPhone will enable you to lock and unlock your car by holding iPhone up to the door handle and start it up by placing iPhone in the smartphone tray. The car owner can also share access to up to 5 friends. The Digital Key will be also available via your Apple Watch. Setup of the Digital Key can be done through the BMW Connected App while the Digital Key is stored in Apple Wallet after setup.
We are excited to announce the availability of Digital Key for iPhone for a broad range of models: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M and Z4 if manufactured after July 1st 2020. If your vehicle is capable it will be shown on the vehicle tab. Compatible iPhone models will be iPhone XR, iPhone XS or newer and Apple Watch Series 5 or newer. Make sure you always have the latest version to benefit from these updates. Stay connected and enjoy a seamless mobility experience!
