Apple launches new ‘Car Key Tests’ app for iPhone as adoption lags

Apple’s Car Key feature was originally announced in July 2020 as a way to unlock your car using the Wallet app on your iPhone. The feature, however, has been limited in availability and only recently expanded beyond certain BMW cars. In what could be a sign of the company ramping up the speed of Car Key adoption, Apple has launched a new “Car Keys Tests” app on the App Store this week.

Apple launches new ‘Car Key Tests’ app for iPhone as adoption lags
iPhone News
21-02-2023 14:11

Apple’s new Car Key app

The new Car Key Tests app was added to the App Store today, according to 9to5Mac‘s sources. The app is being distributed under Apple’s developer account but is currently unlisted. This means you can only access it via a direct link, not via App Store search or Apple’s account page.

The app is meant for car manufacturers to test integration with Apple’s Car Key feature. Apple says that the app allows those companies to “test and validate” requirements for the certification process of adopting Car Key through its Made-For-iPhone program.

Here’s what Apple says about the Car Key Tests app:

For use by MFi Licensees only. Use the Car Keys Tests app to test and validate connection, performance, and other key requirements for the certification process of the vehicles you develop that incorporate Apple digital car keys technology. For more information about Car Keys certification, visit the MFi Portal at mfi.apple.com.

It’s likely that Apple was privately distributing this app directly to Car Key partners in the past. Adding the app to the App Store simplifies that process and makes it easy for the app to be distributed to testing partners.

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