After introducing Digital Key Plus for iOS last year, which enabled users to remotely lock, unlock, and start their cars from their iPhone and Apple Watch, BMW is finally expanding the feature to select Android phones, including the Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6 Pro, Galaxy S23 Plus/Ultra, Galaxy S22 Plus/Ultra, Galaxy S21 Plus/Ultra, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 4, and the Note 20 Ultra. However, Samsung phone users will need to use the Samsung Wallet app to access the feature.
Setting up the Digital Key Plus feature is simple and can be done through the My BMW app. Once set up, users can program the vehicle to unlock as they approach it. Eliminating the need to search for keys. Similarly, users can also program the car to lock automatically as they walk away from it. Ensuring that the vehicle remains secure. This can be especially helpful for users who leave their car in a hurry to get things from their house before leaving.
Furthermore, to ensure that other members of the household can also access the car, users can share their key with up to five other people who have a compatible Android or iOS phone.
Security Measures
Speaking on security, BMW stated that since they use the precise location data from the ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, it virtually eliminates the risk of relay attacks that may attempt to jam or intercept the radio signals in between.
“BMW worked in collaboration with key partners to develop the corresponding specification and established it as a global standard for the automotive industry via the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC),” says BMW.
While this expansion of Digital Key Plus is a step in the right direction, it is important to note that the feature on Android is only compatible with BMW vehicles manufactured from November 2022. However, the company has promised to extend support to older vehicles with future software updates.
