Oliver Haslam on June 17, 2020, 8:06 pm

Further Signs Of iPhone CarKey Feature Appear In iOS 13.6 Privacy Screens

We’ve been hearing about something called CarKey for a few weeks, with various leaks of iOS 14 showing the existence of a feature that will allow iPhones and Apple Watches to unlock compatible cars without the need for a key. Now we’re hearing more about it, this time after privacy screens were spotted in iOS 13.6 that mention the feature specifically.

According to 9to5Mac, via iPhone Ticker the new text is available in the current iOS 13.6 beta but has not been present in previous releases. That might suggest that Apple intends to launch the feature with iOS 13.6 rather than iOS 14.

9to5Mac outlines how the new feature might work.

A user will add a car key by signing into an App Store app from a supporting manufacturer, and following the steps to add a pass for the key. There will also be a way to directly add a car key using a pairing code screen inside of the Wallet app.

This will pair the car key authentication token with your phone. Apple will use your location and information about your account to detect possible fraud.

Importantly, CarKey will have provision for sharing keys among users just like real keys and users can invite others via the car key pass. Keys will be shareable via iMessage when dealing with users of iPhones.

In terms of the privacy screens, Apple notes that it will not keep tabs on how you use your car. That said, car manufacturers might collate exactly that kind of data and Apple suggests those concerned should check the privacy policy of their particular car manufacturer.

Apple is set to announce iOS 14 at WWDC next week and it’s possible we will see this feature debut there. That would also suggest that iOS 13.6 will be made available to everyone during that event, too.