At the 2020 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2020), Apple introduced several car-related features, summarized as follows:
Digital car keys based on iPhone NFC
The car owner can unlock the car by simply placing the iPhone in a bag or pocket and approaching the vehicle. After getting into the car, they can put the phone on the wireless charging pad, press the vehicle start button, and begin driving.
This feature can also be shared with family, friends, and other users via iMessage, giving them authorization to drive the vehicle as well.
If the phone is lost, the car owner can remotely disable the phone access through iCloud to ensure safety.
This feature will be added to iOS 13 and iOS 14. In addition, the first car to support this feature will be the new 2021 BMW 5 Series.
Since this is achieved through NFC, I am looking forward to whether new car manufacturers can implement this feature through OTA.
Apple Maps optimization
Apple is about to launch an electric car route planning feature. iOS 14’s map will track the car owner’s current battery level and calculate factors such as altitude and weather to find a suitable charging station according to the appropriate route plan.
In other words, Apple is integrating data and information about charging stations to form its own charging network.
Apple is currently working with BMW and Ford to promote this feature and plans to work with more car manufacturers in the future.
In addition, Apple’s CarPlay system will also support electric vehicle route planning, as well as adding features such as changing wallpapers, parking and ordering food.
An important feature is that Apple Maps will support the last digit traffic control measure in China, as well as adding the “Cycling” mode.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.