Compilation / Ma Xiaolei
Editor/ Zhang Linyu
Design / Zhao Haoran
Source/ The Verge, by Mitchell Clark
Do you remember that apple unveiled two new mobility-related features when it unveiled the iOS 14 system at WWDC 2020: the CarKey digital key and the charging map?
CarKey Digital Key can implement functions such as door switch lock and vehicle start-up through NFC. When planning and navigating for electric vehicles, the charging map will give priority to recommending the route of charging stations along the way, and can monitor the remaining power of the car based on manufacturer data.
The former has been used in up to many BMW models, while the latter is almost forgotten because there is no following.
On March 23, foreign media The Verge reported that the "following" of Apple's charging map came. The Ford Mustang Mach E 2022 model and some 21 models will support Apple's charging map. This means that some Mach E owners will be able to use CarPlay to plan navigation routes for their vehicles.
It is expected that by the end of 2022, the feature will be extended to all Mach E models, alleviating mileage anxiety for car owners.
Ford and BMW were the first automakers to work with Apple, and the Mach-E could be the first car to get the feature, as there's no credible indication that BMW models will use the feature.
Ford said that when the feature is enabled, the map interface will show how much power is left in the car's battery after reaching its destination.
Apple did not respond immediately. The company mentioned in previous reports that the charging map function needs to be compatible with the vehicle. Therefore, foreign media inferred that the reason why the interval from release to actual application was so long was to solve the compatibility problem.
Apple Maps, which does not have a charging route function, can also show nearby charging stations and choose routes to the charging station, but it will not consider the charging situation along the way when planning a longer trip.
It is worth mentioning that mach-E's built-in navigation also has a similar function, which can even show the charging speed of the charging pile. But many review bloggers, such as MKBHD, a digital circle top-stream blogger on YouTube, have pointed out that Ford's built-in solutions have too many bugs, which often lead you to a broken charging station.
In addition to the latest follow-up of the charging map, Apple forum MacRumors found that on Apple's official website, CarKey Digital Key has added three new cooperative models, namely the 2022 Kia Niro, the Jeniss G90 and the pure electric Jenises GV60.
In the list of supported models on Apple's official website CarPlay, a key symbol will be marked in front of the models that support the CarKey function. Prior to this, BMW was the only car manufacturer to support digital car keys. At present, the website shows that there are three more models marked with key symbols.
The availability of this feature depends on whether the vehicle supports NFC or Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology in iPhone 11 and later versions, and users can switch the lock with the Apple phone or watch near the door handle, and can also use the digital key to remotely switch the lock or start the car.
It's unclear when Apple will update the list, or when the three South Korean models will launch new features. Apple and related car companies have not yet been officially announced.
Since 2021, Kia and Genissy have reportedly been working on integration with Apple's CarKey. Samsung also announced a partnership with Genises (as well as Audi, Ford and BMW) to create its own digital key to its phone.
A kia spokesperson told MacRumors that the company will get more information about the digital key in the coming weeks. Apple and Genises did not respond, and Kia declined to comment.
At present, Apple is committed to integrating various documents and keys to reduce the burden on your "pocket", and CarKey is just one of many functions.
On March 23, Apple announced that Apple Wallet for Arizona users could be used as a driver's license or state ID card, and plans to expand the feature to other states in the near future. At the same time, users staying at selectEd Hyatt hotels can unlock their rooms with their phones or watches.
This article was originally produced by Automotive Business Review
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