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# Digital Car Key Capabilities
Apple's Carkey Feature Allows Users to Open a Car with Their Device

By Daniel Johnson | Published 2020-02-10 | Autos
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carkey-feature
References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2020/2/apple-carkey-feature-iphone-digital-key) & [apple](https://www.apple.com/)

[Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/level-lock1) launched a new Carkey feature which was included in the first beta version of iOS 12.4. The Carkey feature will allow people to use an iOS device, like an Apple Watch or [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/level-home), to lock or open their car. Users will not have to unlock the feature using Face ID, which means users can open or lock their cars faster. Additionally, the new Carkey feature will be able to work even if the user's phone is out of battery.

Overall the new capability could be very popular for Apple users, as it means they no longer have to carry [car keys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-key-faraday-shield) with them, as long as they still have an Apple device.

Image Credit: Apple

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.4/10
- Popularity: 35% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 9%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Digital Car Key Technology:** The introduction of Apple's Carkey feature opens up new opportunities for integrating digital car key technology into vehicles.
- **Convenience and Efficiency:** The Carkey feature allows users to quickly lock or unlock their cars using their Apple devices, offering a more convenient and efficient alternative to traditional car keys.
- **Battery-independent Access:** The Carkey feature's ability to work even when the user's phone is out of battery presents an opportunity for innovative battery-independent access solutions in the automotive industry.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Automotive:** The automotive industry can explore incorporating digital car key technology into their vehicles to enhance user convenience and provide a competitive edge.
- **Mobile Technology:** The introduction of Carkey by Apple opens up opportunities for the mobile technology industry to develop innovative apps and features that enhance car ownership experiences.
- **Access Control Systems:** The Carkey feature's battery-independent access capability presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the access control systems industry to create more robust and reliable access solutions.

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