By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy.
Accept
Digitized HouseDigitized House
  • Alexa
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings
  • Smart Components
    • Security Cameras
    • Security Systems
    • Smart Displays
    • Smart Door Locks
    • Smart Lighting
    • Smart Plugs
    • Smart Product Round-ups
    • Smart Shades
    • Smart Speakers
    • Smart Thermostats
    • Smart Water
    • Smoke + CO Detectors
    • Solar Photovoltaics
  • About + Policy
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Advertising, Affiliate Link, and Sponsorship Policy
Search
© 2015-2022 Digitized House Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Apple CarKey API Could Control HomeKit in the Future
Share
Notification
Latest News
These new Resideo products can be implemented to achieve whole-home water monitoring and management. Image: Resideo.
Resideo Raises Water Networks With Smart Leak and Freeze Detector
Water Network
smart home at twilight with smart shades
Smart Shade Buying Guide for 2023
Amazon Alexa Apple HomeKit Connected Home Google Home Privacy & Safety Product Guide Samsung SmartThings Security Network Smart Shades
Kohler H2Wise+ Marks Rise of the Water Network
Connected Home Featured Articles Review Smart Water
Best Cyber Monday Smart Home Buys
Deals
Black Friday 2022 Top Smart Home Deals
Deals
Aa
Aa
Digitized HouseDigitized House
  • Alexa
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings
  • Smart Components
  • About + Policy
Search
  • Alexa
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings
  • Smart Components
    • Security Cameras
    • Security Systems
    • Smart Displays
    • Smart Door Locks
    • Smart Lighting
    • Smart Plugs
    • Smart Product Round-ups
    • Smart Shades
    • Smart Speakers
    • Smart Thermostats
    • Smart Water
    • Smoke + CO Detectors
    • Solar Photovoltaics
  • About + Policy
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Advertising, Affiliate Link, and Sponsorship Policy
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2015-2022 Digitized House Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Digitized House > Blog > Connected Home > Connected Garage > Apple CarKey API Could Control HomeKit in the Future
Apple HomeKitConnected GarageConnected Home

Apple CarKey API Could Control HomeKit in the Future

Kayla Matthews
Last updated: 2020/04/01 at 12:18 PM
By Kayla Matthews
Share
6 Min Read
Coming soon? While Apple is mum about it, it seems Apple CarKey is coming for adding IoT features to your car. Image: Digitized House.
Coming soon? While Apple is mum about it, it seems Apple CarKey and possibly HomeKit are coming for adding IoT features and automation to your car. Image: Digitized House.
SHARE
Read on Apple News

It looks like you may be able to open car doors with your iPhone soon. The ever-expanding Internet of Things (IoT) is always introducing new things you can do with your smartphone. A couple of new clues recently unearthed point towards the Cupertino company bringing the IoT to car locks and more through a potential Apple CarKey API.

Contents
What Is CarKey?CarKey Meets Apple HomeKitPotential Effects of CarKey on Smart HomesMore About This Topic:

Apple hasn’t officially released any information about these upcoming functions. However, eagle-eyed users have found hints about them in recent iOS beta versions and a patent application from the tech giant. While nothing is certain at this point, it seems that Apple may have big plans for CarKey.

What Is CarKey?

As Apple Insider points out, iOS 13.4’s first beta version included code for a CarKey API, which seems straightforward enough. The system would turn your iPhone into a key fob for your car. Using CarKey, you could unlock and lock your car doors from the convenience of your phone.

CarKey would work similarly to Apple Pay. You would store a virtual key in your Wallet app, where you can access it through a fingerprint scan or passcode. When you want to unlock your car, you put your phone near the car’s NFC reader, open your Wallet, and then you’re in.

Unlike Apple Pay, it seems that CarKey allows you to share your keys with other people, at least in a limited capacity. You’d be able to let others unlock your car, but not drive it. The service would also allow you to use an “express mode,” where you can use it without face or touch ID.

It makes sense that Apple is moving to add more vehicle functionality. From collision warning to keyless ignition, car electronics are on the rise, so it’s only natural that they join the IoT. With CarKey, Apple is helping in that transition.

CarKey Meets Apple HomeKit

Smart locks, such as the August Smart Lock Pro shown here, are already Apple HomeKit enabled and conceivably would work in concert with the potential CarKey API. Image: Digitized House.
Smart door locks, such as the August Smart Lock Pro shown here, are already Apple HomeKit enabled and conceivably would work in concert with the potential CarKey API. Image: Digitized House.

The underlying technology for CarKey may apply to more than just your vehicle. A recent patent application from Apple suggests they’re looking to allow you to access various systems from your phone. The patent did specifically mention vehicle functions, like starting an engine, but didn’t seem to be solely focused on cars.

This technology could be an expansion of Apple’s HomeKit system. HomeKit lets you control all of your smart home devices from a single app. While you may use it mostly to adjust your lights or thermostat, you could use it to lock and unlock your home.

Smart locks are a growing part of the IoT, and Apple’s already familiar with these devices. There are several smart locks with HomeKit support on the market right now, with more likely to come. If the CarKey technology works with HomeKit, it could make the system all the more useful.

Potential Effects of CarKey on Smart Homes

With CarKey’s system, you could unlock your front door without having to fumble with your keys. You could just hold up your phone and open your Wallet app, which holds your virtual house key. This process would improve both convenience and security.

You’re less likely to lose your phone than you are to lose a key. When you can unlock everything from your phone, you wouldn’t have to worry if you misplaced your physical key. All you’d have to do is take out your iPhone.

Current smart lock technology already offers this security, but it doesn’t provide CarKey’s convenience. With CarKey, you can potentially share access with other people, which would be handy if you could do the same with your house key. If you were going out of town for a while, you could grant someone temporary access to your house through these virtual keys.

Apple hasn’t formally announced any of these functions, so you’ll have to wait to see their true extent. We also don’t know if they will integrate with the Apple CarPlay entertainment services already available in some vehicles. But given the present information, it seems you may be able to use your iPhone as a car or house key before long. And this may be just the shot in the arm that HomeKit needs to better compete with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

More About This Topic:

  • More from Digitized House | Guide to the Connected Home
  • Sign Up to Get Weekly Digitized House Updates
  • Forgot to Charge Your Phone? These Cars Have Integrated Qi Wireless Chargers
  • eero Mesh Wi-Fi Gains Apple HomeKit Security
  • Setting up an Apple HomeKit Home Hub
  • Netatmo Smart Door Lock to Feature Apple HomeKit and NFC Keys
  • Shining a Light on the Orro Switch
  • How Tech Privacy Is Predicted To Change in 2020

Kayla Matthews 30 March 2020
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy Link Print
By Kayla Matthews
Follow:
Kayla Matthews is a technology journalist and productivity blogger. She is a senior writer for MakeUseOf and the owner and editor of her tech productivity blog, Productivity Bytes. You can read more by Kayla at Inc.com, VentureBeat, DMN, and more.
Previous Article Got solar? Upgrading your system may pay off in efficiency and power generation. Image: Maria Godfrida from Pixabay. Four Solar System Upgrades to Increase Energy Efficiency and Generation
Next Article Five Key Housing Trends to Watch in 2020 and Beyond

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate, Digitized House may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links, ads, or buttons on this page. See our full Affiliate Link, Sponsorship, and Ad Policy.

Latest News

These new Resideo products can be implemented to achieve whole-home water monitoring and management. Image: Resideo.
Resideo Raises Water Networks With Smart Leak and Freeze Detector
Water Network 22 March 2023
smart home at twilight with smart shades
Smart Shade Buying Guide for 2023
Amazon Alexa Apple HomeKit Connected Home Google Home Privacy & Safety Product Guide Samsung SmartThings Security Network Smart Shades 3 January 2023
Kohler H2Wise+ Marks Rise of the Water Network
Connected Home Featured Articles Review Smart Water 30 December 2022

About Digitized House

We are the Guide to the Connected Home and help global consumers make their 
Connected Homes smarter, healthier, and safer through streams of original content. You can see our story here.

Like what you see on this website? You can also read us on our Apple News App Channel.

Contact Us

Registered Office
Digitized House Media LLC
517 Ocate Mesa Trail
Liberty Hill, Texas 78642
United States
Email: [email protected]

Visit our Facebook Page

Latest Product Reviews

Kohler H2Wise+ Marks Rise of the Water Network
Connected Home Featured Articles Review Smart Water
Healthier Smart Home Air Filtration: Aura Air Review
Connected Home Featured Articles Healthy Home Review Sustainable Home
Digitized HouseDigitized House
Follow US

© 2015-2022 Digitized House Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?