# Secure Smartphone Car Keys The BMW Digital Key Plus is Based on the Apple CarKey Feature By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2021-01-15 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bmw-digital-key-plus References: [geeky-gadgets](https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/bmw-announced-digital-key-plus-for-iphone/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+geeky-gadgets+%28Geeky+Gadgets%29) & [press.bmwgroup](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0324128EN/bmw-announces-bmw-digital-key-plus-with-ultra-wideband-technology-coming-to-the-bmw-ix) The BMW Digital Key Plus has been announced by the automotive brand as its latest digital solution for drivers that would enable them to leave their physical keys at home in favor of a digital, smartphone-based alternative. The digital car key is based on the [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schlage-encode-plus) CarKey functionality and will enable users to lock, unlock and start their BMW directly from their [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/level-home). The connected car key functionality also makes use of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to unlock or start the car without having to take the user's iPhone out of their bag or pocket. The BMW Digital Key Plus will be launched exclusively on the all-electric BMW iX and is expected to be rolled out on future vehicles to boot. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Secure Smartphone Car Keys:** BMW is bringing a convenient, secure method of accessing and starting their cars to consumers. - **Digital Car Keys:** Automotive brands can explore the benefits for digital solutions that enable drivers to remotely access their car. - **Ultra-wideband Technology:** Implementing this technology will enable automotive brands to offer a hands-free experience inside the car, opening up new use cases like contactless payments. ### Who This Affects Most - **Automotive:** Automotive companies can create innovative solutions to digitize the process of accessing and starting cars, further enhancing the driver experience. - **Smartphone:** Smartphone companies can collaborate with automotive brands to develop new software solutions that enable users to access digital car keys on their phones. - **Telecommunications:** Telecommunication companies can leverage their expertise in network technology and connectivity to explore opportunities to incorporate Ultra-Wideband technology in cars, enabling additional features like proximity-based marketing. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Wallet Car Keys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-wallet-and-mercedesbenz.md) - [Vehicle-Forward Watch Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tesla-apple-watch-app.md) - [Smartphone-Centric Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schlage-encode-plus.md) - [Automotive Digital Key Enhancements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/channel-sounding.md) - [iPhone-Connected Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/level-home.md) - [Virtual Smartphone Hotel Keys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-hotel-key.md) - [Next-Level Digital Lock Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proximkey.md) - [App-Controlled Electric Home Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/level-lock1.md) - [Color-Changing Concept Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bmw-i-vision-dee.md)