iPhone, Android devices can now ‘share’ BMW Digital Key

BMW announced that it is now possible to share a BMW Digital Key across platforms between iPhone and Android devices.

Compatible devices are Apple iPhone smartphones running iOS 16.1 or later or Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro that runs on Android 13 or later.

Previously, a BMW Digital Key can only be shared via Apple iMessage. BMW’s latest update makes it possible to share a BMW Digital Key from an iPhone to an Android phone and vice versa.

Further, BMW said that there is no need for a specific mobile phone application or a set method of transmission to share the digital keys. Instead, they can be shared simply by sending the link via SMS, e-mail, or by using other messaging services like WhatsApp.

“To add the Digital Key to their wallet, they simply click on the link. If the owner and recipient are standing next to each other, the key can also be shared via Apple AirDrop or Android Nearby Share. In certain cases, an activation code may have to be entered into the vehicle for security reasons, which the sender would ideally disclose to the recipient via a different channel. Once a digital key has been received on an iPhone, the recipient can add it to an Apple Watch just as easily,” BMW said in a press release.

Per the German automotive brand, this new functionality is available on all new BMW vehicles with BMW Digital Key or BMW Digital Key Plus.

This latest upgrade is the result of a close collaboration between BMW and its partners Apple, Google, and Samsung under the umbrella of the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC).

Photos from BMW

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