Car Key: Apple launches app for carmakers to test its ‘Car Key’ feature – Times of India

Apple has rolled out ‘Car Key Tests’ app on the App Store. As spotted by 9to5mac, the app is live on the App Store but there’s a catch. Not everyone can look it up and download it. That’s because it isn’t listed on the store yet and can only be accessed through the app page link directly. According to the source, the app is “being distributed under Apple’s developer account …”
The ‘Car Key Tests’ app is intended for automobile companies to help them test Apple’s Car Key feature with their vehicles. Car Key, a part of Apple’s Wallet app, allows users to unlock their car via their iPhone.

App will help automakers with the Car Key certification process
Apple has launched this app for interested automakers, who want to incorporate its remote unlocking technology in their cars, to get the company’s Made-For-iPhone certification. The app page description states, “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.”
Going by the images on its app page, the Car Key Tests app provides a basic suite of testing features. It allows testers to keep a log of test cases, and view test case steps, and their result.

Car Key unlocking may get more adopters in the automobile industry
Since being introduced in 2020, the Car Key functionality in the Wallet app hasn’t been prevalent per se. It wasn’t until recently that it became available in vehicles other than certain BMW models. However, the rollout of the ‘Car Key Tests’ app may change that and attract more automakers to the fold.