In its continuous pursuit to stay on top of the latest technological advancement, Apple will soon make digital car keys more accessible for everyone. This powerhouse will once again initiate another effort with the goal to make things more convenient and safer.

Solution for Everyone

In response to the escalating problem of keyless car theft across Europe and the United States, a new consortium led by Apple is stepping up to enhance the security and adoption of digital car keys. This initiative emerges as a union of two influential groups, bringing together leading figures from the smartphone and automotive sectors.

According to TechRadar, named the Joint Ultra-wideband (UWB) MAC PHY Working Group (JUMPWG), the consortium's mission is to establish robust industry standards for ultra-wideband connectivity (UWB), which is vital for the safe use of digital car keys. This report also cited, information from The Verge.

TechRadar also cited Tracker's report. According to it, the urgency of this move is underscored by the stark statistics which indicate that 94% of vehicle recoveries in the UK in 2022 involved thefts executed through relay technology.

Similarly, the US saw car thefts surpass one million in 2022, a significant rise from the previous year, with brands like Kia and Hyundai experiencing a surge in theft incidents.

The current diversity in approaches, with some manufacturers relying solely on NFC and others employing a mix of NFC, low energy Bluetooth, and UWB, has led to widespread security vulnerabilities. By focusing on improved standards and best practices, the JUMPWG aims to make digital car keys more reliable, secure, and widely accepted, marking a significant stride in the journey led by Apple to redefine the safety benchmarks for digital car keys in the automotive industry.

READ MORE: Toyota Unveils Revolutionary Automotive Technology, Shapes Future

Wallet Support for MINI - Digital Car Keys

Mactrust reported this latest development with Apple. It is enhancing its technological ecosystem by introducing support for digital car keys through the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, specifically for select MINI vehicles. This move allows MINI owners to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles with just a pass in their Wallet app.

 The feature not only streamlines vehicle access but also integrates car functionality seamlessly into the daily digital life of users, merging convenience with advanced technology.

The initiative builds on the foundation laid by MINI's parent company, BMW, which was the first to integrate digital car keys into the Wallet app in 2020. Today's update to the Apple Pay configuration files, as highlighted by MacRumors, now includes MINI as a supported brand, marking a significant extension of Apple's digital car key feature. This represents a strategic expansion in Apple's services, offering a glimpse into the future of digital integration within the automotive industry.

Several months ago, MINI announced its advanced MINI Operating System 9, featuring the MINI Digital Key Plus, which leverages Ultra Wideband technology to facilitate vehicle access from iOS and Android devices without needing to take the device out. This system operates through the MINI Interaction Unit, a prominent 9.4-inch circular OLED display centrally mounted on the dashboard, offering drivers a variety of colorful themes for a personalized touch.

The new system, including the innovative MINI Digital Key Plus, premiered in the latest all-electric MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman models, both set to be released next year. This development represents a significant leap in MINI's integration of technology and user experience, aiming to enhance convenience and customization for drivers.        

RELATED ARTICLE: Volvo to launch online car sales in marketing shift 

Copyright @ MOTORTIMES, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.