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The swift evolution of technology has significantly transformed the automotive industry. Traditional manual transmissions are increasingly rare, buttons and knobs are giving way to touchscreens, and it’s becoming uncommon to find anyone under 30 familiar with manually-operated windows. Now, BMW is contemplating whether car keys might be the next feature to become obsolete.
During an interview at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show with Reuters, BMW board member Ian Robertson highlighted that many of the company’s customers now rely on smartphones. BMW has developed an app that can unlock vehicles, suggesting that physical keys may soon be unnecessary.
Robertson explained that smartphones could perform the same functions as traditional keys, and BMW is exploring the possibility of eliminating keys entirely. He pointed out that keys are increasingly redundant for starting cars, as many modern vehicles are equipped with engine-start buttons that detect a key fob in the driver’s pocket.
BMW is not alone in this trend; other automakers are also considering the removal of car keys. Last year, Volvo showcased a prototype system that allowed users to unlock and operate vehicles through a smartphone app. Numerous car manufacturers already provide applications that enable users to lock or unlock their cars remotely and start the engine.
Transitioning to smartphones as car keys is not solely about reducing hardware. Traditional keys and key fobs can complicate car-sharing and ride-sharing services, particularly those involving autonomous vehicles. A smartphone app could facilitate seamless transitions for drivers moving between different cars. Many industry leaders believe that these sharing services represent the future of automotive transportation, especially with the rise of self-driving technology.
Rather than utilizing a single key for one vehicle, individuals would be able to unlock access to an entire fleet of cars using their smartphones. While this could enhance the convenience of sharing services, it also introduces a host of privacy and cybersecurity challenges. Furthermore, a world without physical keys could reduce the advantages for those who prefer to own their vehicles. Although sharing keys may have its drawbacks, they become less significant for individuals who are the sole users of their own cars.
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