BMW updates its feature to dematerialize the key of its vehicles, christened BMW digital key and developed jointly with Apple and Google. Where previously a BMW digital key could only be shared via Apple’s iMessage, it is now possible to share it with friends or family members, regardless of whether they use an iPhone or an Android smartphone.

in digital key exchange The BMW digital key will now take the form of a simple link that can be shared via email, SMS or any other messaging system such as WhatsApp or even Apple AirDrop or Android Nearby Share to share nearby. All the recipient has to do is click a link to add it to their wallet, and they don’t need a specific app or BMW ID.

BMW digital key: what is the compatibility?

Once installed on the iPhone, the BMW Digital Key can also be easily added to the Apple Watch. In some cases, for security reasons, the activation code must be entered in the vehicle: the owner of the latter is advised to communicate this secret code to his guest through another secure channel.

This new feature is available for all new vehicles equipped with a BMW Digital Key or Digital Key Plus. For owners of compatible vehicles already on the road, a “22-11” remote software update will provide this feature.

Cross-platform sharing is available available for iPhone and compatible Google Android smartphones Apple iPhone (iOS 16.1 or later), Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro (Android 13 or later), while Samsung-branded models are expected to arrive soon.

Did you know that you can now use your iPhone as a dongle for your compatible #BMW?

Everything you need to know about BMW Digital Key: https://t.co/fFasfwvFKW.#THE8 pic.twitter.com/cmnymWbQ7k

—BMW (@BMW) August 1, 2020

BMW digital key: a revolutionary function

In the summer of 2020, BMW became the first manufacturer to allow its customers to use the iPhone as a dematerialized car key and to open, lock and start their car with the BMW digital key without taking the key with them. The physics of the car. The feature was first launched on Apple smartphones and then extended to Android-based devices.

This latest update is the result of a collaboration between BMW and its partners Apple, Google and Samsung as part of the Connected Car Consortium (CCC). The BMW Digital Key takes another step towards full cross-platform compatibility, and it’s another step towards securing smartphones as digital car keys.

BMW digital key: how does it work?

The digital key The BMW Digital Key is compatible with almost all models in the Bavarian manufacturer’s range manufactured from the end of July 2020 and equipped with BMW Comfort Access (from summer 2020) or BMW Digital Key (from the end of 2021), such as the BMW 1 Series, 2 Series, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, X5, X6, X7 and Z4.

Simply hold your phone up to the car door handle, then use one of the authentication methods to unlock it: code, fingerprint, or facial recognition. Once inside, the user can start the car using the Start/Stop button.

Two million #BMW The 7 Series, the all-electric BMW i7, has now rolled off the assembly line at the factory in Dingolfing 👏. We are entering a new era, formed #digital and #resistant innovations #BMWGroup #THEi7 #THE7 pic.twitter.com/WEGaqR76Xo

—BMW Group (@BMWGroup) December 21, 2022