Some automakers offer apps for certain car models that allow the use of a smartphone as a car key. However, this feature is generally still limited to a very few car models and usually requires the use of a specific app provided by the manufacturer.

For several weeks now, we have been hearing rumors that Apple was about to introduce the CarKey API in iOS 14. Now, 9to5Mac is reporting that it has seen code in iOS 14 that not only references that feature, but suggests that BMW is among Apple's first partners to launch it.

When 9to5Mac pressed BMW to reveal whether it was working with Apple, the German automaker neither confirmed nor denied.

Both Apple and BMW are part of the Car Connectivity Consortium, a group of companies working to standardize virtual key technology across the industry. The group also includes automakers Hyundai, General Motors, and Volkswagen, as well as technology giants LG and Samsung.

The CCC is working on a third generation of key technology called Digital Key Release 3.0. Digital Key 3.0 utilizes a combination of ultra-wideband local tracking and Bluetooth low energy to create a superior experience.

Existing digital key integration requires the device to be physically held near the vehicle for unlocking. Starting with version 3.0, this will no longer be necessary. It is sufficient to have the mobile device in hand when approaching or attempting to start the vehicle.

It is important to note that the latest iPhones, such as the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, all have ultra-wideband chips and are compatible with future digital key technology. (It would also not be wild speculation to assume that these chips will also be in the iPhone 12 this fall.) And according to 9to5Mac, users will be able to access and manage their digital keys through the Wallet app.

Screenshots of the iOS 14 pre-release software, embedded in the above tweet, highlight what the Car Key software will look like on the iPhone Note the Express Mode option, which will allow users to unlock their car without Face ID or any authentication method. It may be possible to unlock the car without Face ID or any other authentication method.

For Tesla and other car owners who have already implemented some digital key technology, Apple's latest effort may not seem like a big deal. However, supporting digital keys at the system level, especially on the iPhone, would be a major step forward in establishing this technology and ensuring that more automakers adopt it. If car companies do not need to develop their own apps and software for new models, they are more likely to include support for digital keys by relying on Apple's APIs and efforts in this area.

The result? If the iPhone is already set up to support digital keys, then we will see many cars with digital keys in the future. Perhaps Apple's WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference) online event will delve deeper into Car Key later this year, and then iOS 14, which will appear before the public release of the update scheduled for this fall. It will also appear in the beta version.