Smart cars will be the next outlet?
Editor’s note: This article comes from “ Future Car Daily ” (WeChat public account ID: auto-time), author: Zhang.
Author | Zhang Yi
Edit | Li Huanhuan
Apple, which has no doubts about car building, is adding a black technology that can directly control cars on its mobile phones and tablets.
Apple recently launched the first developer test version of iOS 13.4 and iPad OS 13.4. Developers have found that Apple has provided an interface called “CarKey” in new iOS 13.4 beta , or it will enable iPhone and Apple Watch to have car key function.
In the new version, users will be able to use CarKey in NFC-compatible (Near Field Communication) cars, and use the device near the car as a key to unlock, lock, and activate the car. And, this feature works even when the device is in a depleted environment.
Since the Car Connectivity Consortium released the first digital key 1.0 standard for NFC-enabled smartphones to interact with vehicles in June 2018, it has become possible to use mobile phones instead of car keys.
In February 2019, it was reported that Apple applied for a patent for a keyless entry system, which could make the iPhone the key of a car, not only unlock the car, but also control the automatic driving of the car. This system will use biometrics to confirm the user’s identity, and the owner can authorize designated members to control the vehicle.
Not only Apple phones, but some Android phones are also trying to replace car keys. In December last year, Huawei Wallet and BYD jointly released a mobile phone NFC car key, which will be installed on Song Pro models. The chairman of Xiaomi Group Lei Jun also said last year that Xiaomi 9Pro 5G will serve as a car key through the NFC function, which will be carried on Xiaopeng P7.
Besides the NFC car key, as early as 2014, the “Titan Project” car project was launched, and the Apple R & D team once exceeded 5,000. Apple is really optimistic about the upcoming air outlet of smart cars.
On the one hand, Apple continues to invest in the development of Carplay vehicle systems, using existing IThe OS application ecology penetrates into the automotive industry. On the other hand, since the company announced the IOS In the car plan in 2013, it has continuously submitted automotive patent applications. The patented technology covers cars such as smart seat belts, movable car covers, dynamic seat tactile feedback systems, and wireless charging calibration systems. All aspects.
Smart cars are a huge industry that can leverage high return value through low innovation capabilities. The Boston Consulting Group has pointed out in a report that by 2035, the proportion of profits generated by electrified, autonomous vehicles and shared travel is expected to increase from 1% in 2017 to 40%.
After encountering resistance in direct car building, Apple is entering the automotive field through the path of smart car technology research and development.
