Apple's Digital Car Key Coming to Broad Array of BMW Models Manufactured After July 1

LittleJoe · 06-22-2020, 06:24 PM

Including X7's manufactured after July 1st:

https://www.macrumors.com/2020/06/22...r-key-details/

MomoM3 · 06-22-2020, 10:45 PM

Ah, the July-built 2020 models are the X7 unicorn now.

Heimdall · 06-23-2020, 12:18 AM

I have a feeling it will rollout to previous production dates.
I'm my humble opinion, this is mainly a smart phone feature, which is already available to Android I don't see why can't it be available to previous years once Apple adds it to their phones.

Wild Blue · 06-23-2020, 05:39 AM

Yeah, I don't see why they couldn't make it software retroactive to existing vehicles, but that article does seem to indicate it requires hardware in new vehicles starting 1 July.

jmciver · 06-23-2020, 08:28 AM

It will depend on if there is new hardware that is actually required to get this tech to work with iPhones. Keep in mind that in addition to using the iPhone as a digital key (just like the digital key card that is included with your X7 purchase), a "near" future capability is to use your iPhone as a digital key AND keep the phone in your pocket/purse - thus performing like your existing key fob. I will speculate that if new hardware is required, it will be some sort of new antenna to allow the iPhone to stay in your pocket/purse so it can work like a key fob.

But hopefully, it will be just a software upgrade as the necessary equipment should be in all of the cars that are currently compatible with Android devices as a digital key. But then, BMW does not have a good track record with making functionality backwards compatible/retro-active - even if older models have the necessary hardware. In that case, hopefully the necessary parts are easily retro-fitable with a little bit of coding to get this functionality working. I have seen this in my F80 M3 already though. For example my '17 F80 M3 with a Dec '16 build date came with iDrive 5, which was a 6-9 month stop gap until iDrive 6 was ready beginning with the '18 MY cars. My '17 F80 had all of the necessary hardware to run iDrive 5, but there was never an official BMW software update to get it. I had to code my car in order to get iDrive 6.

Personally, I am not a fan of using your phone as a digital key unless it can function just like a key fob that I always keep in my pocket. The only time I pull my phone out of my pocket when in the car is if I need to put it on the wireless charger - which is not that often.

BMW-TX · 06-23-2020, 09:04 AM

Ugh. Thought it was good news that my production moved from July to last week - it's scheduled to be completed June 30 according to the Genius line.

MomoM3 · 06-23-2020, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW-TX

Ugh. Thought it was good news that my production moved from July to last week - it's scheduled to be completed June 30 according to the Genius line.

Ugh, sorry that would drive me bananas

stockguru · 06-25-2020, 08:20 PM

Is the July 1 date the finish build date or stage 1 of production?

I am actually expecting mine to be done almost exactly around this time

adamjs83 · 06-25-2020, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stockguru

Is the July 1 date the finish build date or stage 1 of production?

I am actually expecting mine to be done almost exactly around this time

I'm in the same boat. Week 28 (July 5th) completion dates. I'm not sure I'll take the delivery of it doesn't have it but I don't even know how to confirm.

Skyrider · 06-26-2020, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjs83

Quote:

Originally Posted by stockguru

Is the July 1 date the finish build date or stage 1 of production?

I am actually expecting mine to be done almost exactly around this time

I'm in the same boat. Week 28 (July 5th) completion dates. I'm not sure I'll take the delivery of it doesn't have it but I don't even know how to confirm.

My order just moved to dot 3 (Production Begins) on 6/24. I ordered 6/9. Moved to dot 2 (Scheduled for Production) on 6/10. Now my conformed production date is 7/10 (week 28). Originally was week 30. I did confirm with BMW customer relations (who checked with BMW Genius) that my car will have the Apple Car Key feature. Or at least it will be Apple Car Key ready. He confirmed that the vehicle will have all the necessary hardware. It would be a matter of a vehicle software update (if needed) to have it be fully functional. He did say that it really all depends on Apple when they release the feature. But the car can support. He also made it sound that previous X7s are hardware ready and might just need a software update. I suggest we all wait till Apple releases iOS 13.6 to test the functionality on our X7s. He did also confirm that updates are pushed OTA in batches by VIN and the dealer should be able to update the software for free if requested.

LittleJoe · 06-26-2020, 05:40 AM

Initially Apple Car Key will function exactly like the Digital Key Card (which I don't use). The FOB works much better IMO since we don't need to take it out of our pocket or place it on the charging pad to unlock and/or drive the car. The plan is to get to Apple Car Key to eventually function like the FOB where your phone can stay on your pocket like a FOB but that could be a year or two away.

adamjs83 · 06-26-2020, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyrider

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjs83

Quote:

Originally Posted by stockguru

Is the July 1 date the finish build date or stage 1 of production?

I am actually expecting mine to be done almost exactly around this time

I'm in the same boat. Week 28 (July 5th) completion dates. I'm not sure I'll take the delivery of it doesn't have it but I don't even know how to confirm.

My order just moved to dot 3 (Production Begins) on 6/24. I ordered 6/9. Moved to dot 2 (Scheduled for Production) on 6/10. Now my conformed production date is 7/10 (week 28). Originally was week 30. I did confirm with BMW customer relations (who checked with BMW Genius) that my car will have the Apple Car Key feature. Or at least it will be Apple Car Key ready. He confirmed that the vehicle will have all the necessary hardware. It would be a matter of a vehicle software update (if needed) to have it be fully functional. He did say that it really all depends on Apple when they release the feature. But the car can support. He also made it sound that previous X7s are hardware ready and might just need a software update. I suggest we all wait till Apple releases iOS 13.6 to test the functionality on our X7s. He did also confirm that updates are pushed OTA in batches by VIN and the dealer should be able to update the software for free if requested.

When you say BMW customer relations who did you contact? I would also like to get some thing definitive so I have something to go back on if my car isn't equipped.

Skyrider · 06-26-2020, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjs83

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyrider

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjs83

Quote:

Originally Posted by stockguru

Is the July 1 date the finish build date or stage 1 of production?

I am actually expecting mine to be done almost exactly around this time

I'm in the same boat. Week 28 (July 5th) completion dates. I'm not sure I'll take the delivery of it doesn't have it but I don't even know how to confirm.

My order just moved to dot 3 (Production Begins) on 6/24. I ordered 6/9. Moved to dot 2 (Scheduled for Production) on 6/10. Now my conformed production date is 7/10 (week 28). Originally was week 30. I did confirm with BMW customer relations (who checked with BMW Genius) that my car will have the Apple Car Key feature. Or at least it will be Apple Car Key ready. He confirmed that the vehicle will have all the necessary hardware. It would be a matter of a vehicle software update (if needed) to have it be fully functional. He did say that it really all depends on Apple when they release the feature. But the car can support. He also made it sound that previous X7s are hardware ready and might just need a software update. I suggest we all wait till Apple releases iOS 13.6 to test the functionality on our X7s. He did also confirm that updates are pushed OTA in batches by VIN and the dealer should be able to update the software for free if requested.

When you say BMW customer relations who did you contact? I would also like to get some thing definitive so I have something to go back on if my car isn't equipped.

I called BMW NA to check on my production status and the guy identified himself as customer relations. He seemed to know what he is talking about. When I asked him whether my car will be equipped with Apple car key, he actually put me on hold (fairly long hold) and went to check with another team to confirm. But nothing in writing of course. So we will wait and see.

adamjs83 · 06-26-2020, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyrider

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjs83

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyrider

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjs83

Quote:

Originally Posted by stockguru

Is the July 1 date the finish build date or stage 1 of production?

I am actually expecting mine to be done almost exactly around this time

I'm in the same boat. Week 28 (July 5th) completion dates. I'm not sure I'll take the delivery of it doesn't have it but I don't even know how to confirm.

My order just moved to dot 3 (Production Begins) on 6/24. I ordered 6/9. Moved to dot 2 (Scheduled for Production) on 6/10. Now my conformed production date is 7/10 (week 28). Originally was week 30. I did confirm with BMW customer relations (who checked with BMW Genius) that my car will have the Apple Car Key feature. Or at least it will be Apple Car Key ready. He confirmed that the vehicle will have all the necessary hardware. It would be a matter of a vehicle software update (if needed) to have it be fully functional. He did say that it really all depends on Apple when they release the feature. But the car can support. He also made it sound that previous X7s are hardware ready and might just need a software update. I suggest we all wait till Apple releases iOS 13.6 to test the functionality on our X7s. He did also confirm that updates are pushed OTA in batches by VIN and the dealer should be able to update the software for free if requested.

When you say BMW customer relations who did you contact? I would also like to get some thing definitive so I have something to go back on if my car isn't equipped.

I called BMW NA to check on my production status and the guy identified himself as customer relations. He seemed to know what he is talking about. When I asked him whether my car will be equipped with Apple car key, he actually put me on hold (fairly long hold) and went to check with another team to confirm. But nothing in writing of course. So we will wait and see.

Got it. So you basically just called the 844 Genius Line? When I spoke to them earlier in the week he also put me on a long called and had no idea. Maybe I will try again next week.

Skyrider · 06-26-2020, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjs83

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyrider

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjs83

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyrider

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjs83

Quote:

Originally Posted by stockguru

Is the July 1 date the finish build date or stage 1 of production?

I am actually expecting mine to be done almost exactly around this time

I'm in the same boat. Week 28 (July 5th) completion dates. I'm not sure I'll take the delivery of it doesn't have it but I don't even know how to confirm.

My order just moved to dot 3 (Production Begins) on 6/24. I ordered 6/9. Moved to dot 2 (Scheduled for Production) on 6/10. Now my conformed production date is 7/10 (week 28). Originally was week 30. I did confirm with BMW customer relations (who checked with BMW Genius) that my car will have the Apple Car Key feature. Or at least it will be Apple Car Key ready. He confirmed that the vehicle will have all the necessary hardware. It would be a matter of a vehicle software update (if needed) to have it be fully functional. He did say that it really all depends on Apple when they release the feature. But the car can support. He also made it sound that previous X7s are hardware ready and might just need a software update. I suggest we all wait till Apple releases iOS 13.6 to test the functionality on our X7s. He did also confirm that updates are pushed OTA in batches by VIN and the dealer should be able to update the software for free if requested.

When you say BMW customer relations who did you contact? I would also like to get some thing definitive so I have something to go back on if my car isn't equipped.

I called BMW NA to check on my production status and the guy identified himself as customer relations. He seemed to know what he is talking about. When I asked him whether my car will be equipped with Apple car key, he actually put me on hold (fairly long hold) and went to check with another team to confirm. But nothing in writing of course. So we will wait and see.

Got it. So you basically just called the 844 Genius Line? When I spoke to them earlier in the week he also put me on a long called and had no idea. Maybe I will try again next week.

The guy I spoke to seemed to really know his stuff. He sounded young and intelligent and he owns a new M340. He sounded like an enthusiast too; not just a guy who works there and doesn't know a whole lot. So I am inclined to trust him more than some of the others I spoke to.

adamjs83 · 06-26-2020, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyrider

The guy I spoke to seemed to really know his stuff. He sounded young and intelligent and he owns a new M340. He sounded like an enthusiast too; not just a guy who works there and doesn't know a whole lot. So I am inclined to trust him more than some of the others I spoke to.

I hope you got his extension. 😂

jsmonet · 06-27-2020, 01:09 AM

this is just an rfid-based mechanism, so any car with the card key (read at the front door handles) should be able to eventually run this.

Heimdall · 06-29-2020, 02:23 AM

So I just got iOS 13.6
Let's see how it goes tomorrow when I'm testing it with this Apple key card thing if it actually works. 🤞🏻

adamjs83 · 06-29-2020, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heimdall

So I just got iOS 13.6
Let's see how it goes tomorrow when I'm testing it with this Apple key card thing if it actually works. 🤞🏻

The feature isn't available yet in the CD app. You won't be able to test anything. I am also on 13.6.

Heimdall · 06-29-2020, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjs83

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heimdall

So I just got iOS 13.6
Let's see how it goes tomorrow when I'm testing it with this Apple key card thing if it actually works. 🤞🏻

The feature isn't available yet in the CD app. You won't be able to test anything. I am also on 13.6.

Here goes my show off act 🤦🏻*♂️ to my jaguar 🐆 enthusiasts brother.

stockguru · 07-01-2020, 07:42 AM

Any chance that this makes the car easier to steal? I'm not a techy and don't understand the security to prevent some tech thief to mimic what's necessary to unlock and drive away.

huskerdoc2020 · 07-01-2020, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleJoe

Including X7's manufactured after July 1st:

https://www.macrumors.com/2020/06/22...r-key-details/

So does this mean July 1st or July 2nd?

06-22-2020, 06:24 PM	#1
LittleJoe Major 1064 Rep 1,420 Posts Drives: 2023 EQS 580 SUV Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Reading, PA iTrader: (0)	Apple's Digital Car Key Coming to Broad Array of BMW Models Manufactured After July 1 Including X7's manufactured after July 1st: https://www.macrumors.com/2020/06/22...r-key-details/
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06-22-2020, 10:45 PM	#2
MomoM3 Major 987 Rep 1,418 Posts Drives: X7 M50i \| M2 CS \| X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley PA iTrader: (3)	Ah, the July-built 2020 models are the X7 unicorn now.
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06-23-2020, 12:18 AM	#3
Heimdall The Centurion 137 Rep 451 Posts Drives: BMW X7 M40i Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Mars iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00]	I have a feeling it will rollout to previous production dates. I'm my humble opinion, this is mainly a smart phone feature, which is already available to Android I don't see why can't it be available to previous years once Apple adds it to their phones. __________________ From the East to the West through the rest of the World
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06-23-2020, 05:39 AM	#4
Wild Blue Brigadier General 3684 Rep 3,479 Posts Drives: 2021 X7 M50i, 2004 330i w/ZHP Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	Yeah, I don't see why they couldn't make it software retroactive to existing vehicles, but that article does seem to indicate it requires hardware in new vehicles starting 1 July.
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06-23-2020, 08:28 AM	#5
jmciver ///M SubDriver 1837 Rep 2,783 Posts Drives: 2017 M3, 2020 X7 40i Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: DMV iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M3 [10.00] 2020 BMW X7 [0.00] 2019 BMW X3 [0.00] 2009 BMW 128i [0.00]	It will depend on if there is new hardware that is actually required to get this tech to work with iPhones. Keep in mind that in addition to using the iPhone as a digital key (just like the digital key card that is included with your X7 purchase), a "near" future capability is to use your iPhone as a digital key AND keep the phone in your pocket/purse - thus performing like your existing key fob. I will speculate that if new hardware is required, it will be some sort of new antenna to allow the iPhone to stay in your pocket/purse so it can work like a key fob. But hopefully, it will be just a software upgrade as the necessary equipment should be in all of the cars that are currently compatible with Android devices as a digital key. But then, BMW does not have a good track record with making functionality backwards compatible/retro-active - even if older models have the necessary hardware. In that case, hopefully the necessary parts are easily retro-fitable with a little bit of coding to get this functionality working. I have seen this in my F80 M3 already though. For example my '17 F80 M3 with a Dec '16 build date came with iDrive 5, which was a 6-9 month stop gap until iDrive 6 was ready beginning with the '18 MY cars. My '17 F80 had all of the necessary hardware to run iDrive 5, but there was never an official BMW software update to get it. I had to code my car in order to get iDrive 6. Personally, I am not a fan of using your phone as a digital key unless it can function just like a key fob that I always keep in my pocket. The only time I pull my phone out of my pocket when in the car is if I need to put it on the wireless charger - which is not that often. __________________ ///M3 *COMPETITION 6MT* - 2017 F80 Smoked Topaz Metallic BM3 / MP-HAS / GC Camber Plates / Carbonstructure Interior X7 XDrive 40i ///M-SPORT - 2020 G07 Arctic Grey Metallic X3 XDrive 30i - 2019 G01 Mineral White (wife's) / 128i 6MT - 2009 E82 Jet Black (son's) Last edited by jmciver; 06-23-2020 at 08:46 AM..
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06-23-2020, 09:04 AM	#6
BMW-TX Enlisted Member 24 Rep 47 Posts Drives: BMW X7 Join Date: May 2020 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Ugh. Thought it was good news that my production moved from July to last week - it's scheduled to be completed June 30 according to the Genius line.
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06-25-2020, 08:20 PM	#8
stockguru Second Lieutenant 87 Rep 217 Posts Drives: BMW X7 Join Date: May 2020 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Is the July 1 date the finish build date or stage 1 of production? I am actually expecting mine to be done almost exactly around this time
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06-26-2020, 05:40 AM	#11
LittleJoe Major 1064 Rep 1,420 Posts Drives: 2023 EQS 580 SUV Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Reading, PA iTrader: (0)	Initially Apple Car Key will function exactly like the Digital Key Card (which I don't use). The FOB works much better IMO since we don't need to take it out of our pocket or place it on the charging pad to unlock and/or drive the car. The plan is to get to Apple Car Key to eventually function like the FOB where your phone can stay on your pocket like a FOB but that could be a year or two away.
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06-27-2020, 01:09 AM	#17
jsmonet Captain 302 Rep 913 Posts Drives: 2020 x7 m50i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: so cal iTrader: (2)	this is just an rfid-based mechanism, so any car with the card key (read at the front door handles) should be able to eventually run this. __________________ 2020 bmw xHippo, v8tt edition
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06-29-2020, 02:23 AM	#18
Heimdall The Centurion 137 Rep 451 Posts Drives: BMW X7 M40i Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Mars iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00]	So I just got iOS 13.6 Let's see how it goes tomorrow when I'm testing it with this Apple key card thing if it actually works. 🤞🏻 __________________ From the East to the West through the rest of the World
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07-01-2020, 07:42 AM	#21
stockguru Second Lieutenant 87 Rep 217 Posts Drives: BMW X7 Join Date: May 2020 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Any chance that this makes the car easier to steal? I'm not a techy and don't understand the security to prevent some tech thief to mimic what's necessary to unlock and drive away.
	Appreciate 0 Quote