Apple Car To Allow Car Sharing Without Keys? Here’s How!

As we all know, Apple has been in the works of producing the Apple Car since 2014. Over the years, a list of issues has arisen, and even so, Apple is set to release a vehicle possible in the next three or six years. 

As a recap, based on Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the Apple Car is rumoured to include a chassis that may be based on Hyundai’s E-GMP electric vehicle (BEV0 platform and will most likely be marketed as a “very high-end” model or “significantly higher” than a standard electric vehicle. 

Recently, Apple has patented an idea called “Friend key sharing”, and it describes the process of sharing an Apple Car with someone else. Similarly to its partners like BMW, Apple intends on moving forward with digital car keys, as it allows for easy access of the vehicle without disclosing any confidential information and exposing critical data. 

“If a physical key or fob controls access, the owner must physically deliver the key/fob to the individual and then must physically retrieve the key/fob after the individual is finished with access,” Apple explains.

This patent is said to work with a token-based system powered by another device, most probably an iPhone. The token will then be shared with another individual using a secure method. It would be similar to a one-time access code, identical to the Google Authenticator application, which Apple could configure a new app dedicated to the system. 

It’s important to note that this ‘system’ is still a patent, and the tech giant has explained nothing much. Although, this feature can be implemented in the Apple Car, alongside the long list of patents that the company has filed for.