Currently, the Apple CarKey feature is only available on select BMW products such as the 5 Series, but a new report hints that this may soon be offered with select Hyundai and Genesis products. This is a convenient app that took to the stage at the 2020 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference and was followed by a very slow rollout phase with just the Bavarian manufacturer adopting it.

But according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, we could see this feature coming to the South Korean marques later this year. He says: "In line with code findings several months ago in iOS 15, I'm hearing that the next cars to get support for the feature will be models from Hyundai and its Genesis line. I'm told the functionality will roll out by the summer."

Gurman goes on to detail that the decision for these brands to work together is "a bit of a twist considering Apple and Hyundai's public tussle over the Apple car's production about a year ago". This will also be the app's first expansion beyond its BMW lineup.

How exactly does the system work? Using select iPhones and Apple watches, the devices interact with the car's door handle via Near Field Communication (NFC. Once inside, you place your device on the NFC reader or wireless charger to start the car. Those who own a device younger than the iPhone 11 don't need to take the phone out of their pocket thanks to the U1 chip.

Apple CarKey does not make use of authentication by default, so all you need to do is just tap and go. Apple ensures that the process is secure and employs a unique token that is shared specifically between the device and the car. iOS also uses your location and Apple ID information to prevent fraudulent access.

If you are not confident in the company's Express Mode, you can have it disabled or request that it makes use of the face or touch ID authentication to start the car. Car keys can be loaded to your Apple Watch which adds to the convenience appeal. If you run out of charge, the CarKey function maintains functionality for five additional hours via the power reserve mode.