Update: This feature is currently available in some countries, but only if you are the owner of a compatible BMW with Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, or Samsung Galaxy S21

In the not-too-distant future, unlocking a car using an Android smartphone may be able to do so. Google is working toward an all-digital future where the only thing you may need to carry may be your smartphone, with initiatives surrounding the "Android Ready SE Alliance."

Google's push is based on hardware components called "secure elements" that are designed to perform secure computer-based tasks similar to how NFC payments work. Under this system, cell phones would be used for a wider range of applications, such as unlocking a car without the need for physical keys.

The Secure Element, also known as the Titan M chip, has been included in all Google Pixel phones since 2018. As part of the Android Ready SE Alliance announced in a blog post this week, Google hopes to use these elements to create a cache of open source apps intended to be used on SE chips and hardware.

The Android Ready SE Alliance got together to announce a program called StrongBox, a module created via StrongBox that uses its own type of secure storage, CPU, and random number generator to add a layer of protection. It then communicates with the entire system via a keymaster HAL.

There are dozens of possible use cases for this type of technology, but Google seems to be focusing on keys and mobile driver's licenses for now. The mobile driver's license uses the Identity Credential API originally launched in Android 11. However, there is no Android app for car digital keys yet, nor does it appear to be in development. However, whatever Google decides to use on Android phones will need to support the Car Connectivity Consortium's digital key standard for both iOS and Android users.

Google also notes that StrongBox is available for a variety of devices: WearOS, Android Auto, and Android TV. In addition, "several" Android manufacturers are working to include Android Ready SE in their devices in the future, a technology that is being adopted very rapidly. In the short term, we may be ditching our wallets and keys for mobile passports.