New 'CarKey' Feature Found in iOS 13.4 Beta Lets You Unlock, Lock, Start Your Car

References to a new 'CarKey' feature have been found in iOS 13.4 beta by 9to5Mac. The feature appears to allow users to use their iPhone or Apple Watch as an NFC car key.

iOS 13.4 contains references to a “CarKey” API, which will make it possible to use the iPhone and also the Apple Watch to unlock, lock, and start a car. According to the system’s internal files, users will be able to use CarKey in NFC-compatible cars, as they only need to hold the device near the vehicle to use it as a key.

CarKey won't require authentication with Face ID, working similar to Express Transit mode. This means that your device may unlock your vehicle for up to five hours after your battery has died.


To use CarKey, hold iPhone or Apple Watch to reader. It will work automatically, without requiring Face ID. You can change express mode settings in Wallet.

Pairing will be done through the Wallet app. You'll place your iPhone on top of the NFC reader in a compatible vehicle for initial setup and then CarKey will be available in Wallet. After that, you can add the key to your Apple Watch.

9to5Mac also found strings suggesting that users will be able to share their key with other people.

%@ invited you to use their %@ with unlock access. This allows you to use your iPhone and Apple Watch to unlock/lock the car.


It's likely that Apple is already working with car manufacturers to support CarKey. Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for updates.

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