In 2025, BMW is revolutionizing vehicle access with its advanced Digital Key technologies, challenging the necessity of traditional car keys. By integrating Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, BMW’s Digital Key Plus allows drivers to unlock, lock, and start their vehicles using compatible smartphones or smartwatches, without even removing the device from their pocket or bag. This innovation not only enhances convenience but also significantly improves security by preventing relay attacks through precise localization of the digital key.
The Digital Key Plus is compatible with a range of BMW models, including the iX, i4, i5, i7, X1, X5, X6, and X7, and supports devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola. Users can easily set up and manage their digital keys via the My BMW App, with the ability to share access with up to five individuals, assigning specific permissions as needed.
This article delves into the features, compatibility, user experience, and future implications of BMW’s Digital Key technologies, exploring whether physical keys are becoming a thing of the past.
The Evolution Of BMW’s Digital Key
BMW’s key technology has evolved significantly over the decades. In the 1960s and 1970s, BMW introduced distinctive keys featuring a visible logo and plastic casing. The 1980s brought remote locking via plastic fobs, enhancing convenience. In 2018, BMW pioneered smartphone-based Digital Keys, allowing drivers to unlock and start their cars using compatible devices.
The 2021 launch of Digital Key Plus incorporated Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for precise localization and improved security. By 2023, BMW expanded Digital Key Plus compatibility to select Android devices, further broadening its user base. This progression underscores BMW’s commitment to blending security, convenience, and innovation in vehicle access.
Key Features:
- Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology for Enhanced Security: Digital Key Plus utilizes UWB technology to provide precise localization, ensuring that the vehicle recognizes the key only when the user is nearby. This significantly reduces the risk of relay attacks, where signals are intercepted to gain unauthorized access.
- Hands-Free Access and Start: With Digital Key Plus, your vehicle automatically unlocks as you approach and locks when you walk away, without needing to take your smartphone out of your pocket or bag. Once inside, the car can be started without placing the phone in a specific area, streamlining the driving experience.
- Digital Key Sharing with Customizable Access: Owners can share their Digital Key with up to five individuals, allowing them to access and operate the vehicle. Permissions can be customized, such as setting speed limits or restricting certain features, making it ideal for lending the car to family members or friends.
- Compatibility with Smartphones and Smartwatches: Digital Key Plus is compatible with a range of devices, including Apple iPhones and Watches, as well as select Android smartphones from manufacturers like Samsung, Google, and Motorola. This broad compatibility ensures that many users can take advantage of the feature.
- Backup Access with Key Card: In situations where your smartphone is unavailable, BMW provides a credit card-sized NFC key card that can be used to unlock and start the vehicle, ensuring you’re never locked out.
- Integration with My BMW App: The My BMW App facilitates the setup and management of the Digital Key, allowing users to activate, share, or revoke access as needed. The app also provides additional vehicle information and remote functionalities.
Ultra-Wideband Technology: The Game Changer
BMW’s Digital Key Plus, powered by Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, revolutionizes vehicle access by enabling precise, secure, and hands-free interactions. UWB’s spatial awareness ensures the car unlocks only when the authorized device is nearby, effectively mitigating relay attacks.
This innovation offers seamless convenience, automatically unlocking as you approach and allowing engine start without device placement. Recognized with the 2025 AJAC Best Safety Innovation Award, BMW’s UWB integration sets a new standard in automotive security and user experience.
Benefits Of UWB:
- Centimeter-Level Accuracy: UWB delivers precise location tracking, achieving accuracy within 10–30 cm, ideal for secure applications.
- Enhanced Security Against Relay Attacks: Its precise distance measurement ensures that only authorized devices close to the system can access.
- Real-Time Location Updates: With refresh rates up to 1,000 times per second, UWB provides instantaneous location data.
- Resistance to Interference: UWB’s wide bandwidth minimizes signal interference, ensuring stable performance in complex environments.
- Low Power Consumption: Its low-energy pulses extend battery life, making it ideal for devices requiring prolonged operation.
- Seamless Hands-Free Access: UWB enables automatic unlocking and locking as users approach or leave, enhancing convenience.
- Robust Performance in Challenging Environments: UWB maintains accuracy even in metal-heavy or obstructed areas, outperforming other wireless technologies.
- Standardized Industry Adoption: Adherence to global standards like IEEE 802.15.4z ensures interoperability across various devices and platforms.
Compatibility And Setup
BMW’s Digital Key Plus offers a seamless and secure way to access and start your vehicle using compatible smartphones, eliminating the need for a physical key. Here’s an overview of its compatibility and setup process:
Compatible BMW Models:
BMW Digital Key Plus is available on select models equipped with the iDrive 8 system, including:
- BMW iX (2022 onwards)
- BMW i4, i5, i7 (2022 onwards)
- BMW X1, X5, X6, X7 (2023 onwards)
- BMW 2 Series Coupe, 3 Series, 4 Series, 7 Series (2023 onwards)
Full functionality is available in vehicles produced from November 2022. A future software update will extend compatibility to earlier models.
Compatible Devices:
Apple Devices:
- iPhone 11 or newer
- Apple Watch Series 6 or newer
Android Devices (running Android 13.1 or later):
- Samsung: Galaxy S21+ / Ultra, S22+ / Ultra, S23+ / Ultra, Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Note20 Ultra
- Google: Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 Pro
Samsung devices require the Samsung Wallet app and are supported in specific markets.
Setup Process:
Step 1. Download the My BMW app.
Step 2. Follow the in-app instructions to pair your device with your vehicle.
Step 3. Add the digital key to your device’s wallet (Apple Wallet or Samsung Wallet).
Step 4. Customize settings and share access with up to five users, assigning specific permissions as needed.
User Experience And Feedback
BMW’s Digital Key Plus represents a significant step toward modernizing vehicle access, offering notable benefits while also presenting areas for improvement. Users considering this feature should stay informed about device compatibility and software updates to ensure a smooth and reliable experience.
Below is an overview of user experiences and feedback regarding BMW’s Digital Key Plus, incorporating both positive aspects and challenges reported by users.
- Positive Experiences: Highlighting the convenience of keyless entry and the ability to share digital keys with others.
- Challenges and Considerations: Discussing issues some users have faced, particularly related to software updates and device compatibility, such as difficulties experienced after updating to iOS 18 or using newer iPhone models.
- Recognition and Future Outlook: Mentioning accolades received by BMW for their innovation in vehicle access technology, while also noting the importance of ongoing updates to address existing challenges.
The Future Of Vehicle Access
BMW’s Digital Key Plus, powered by Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, is revolutionizing vehicle access by enabling secure, hands-free unlocking and starting. This advancement raises the question: Are traditional car keys becoming obsolete?
The integration of UWB technology in vehicles enhances security by providing precise localization, making unauthorized access more challenging. As digital keys become more prevalent, they are expected to offer features like remote diagnostics and over-the-air updates, further transforming how we interact with our vehicles.
Ensuring Security in a Digital World
UWB technology offers high-precision localization, reducing the risk of relay attacks. Combined with encrypted communication channels and multi-factor authentication, it ensures robust security for digital vehicle access. BMW’s Digital Key Plus has been recognized with the 2025 AJAC Best Safety Innovation Award, highlighting its commitment to safety and innovation.
The Road Ahead
The future of vehicle access is moving towards seamless, secure, and integrated digital solutions. As UWB technology evolves, it is expected to enable features like personalized vehicle settings and integration with smart city infrastructure, further enhancing the driving experience.
Conclusion
BMW’s 2025 Smart Key innovations signify a pivotal shift in vehicle access, blending cutting-edge technology with user-centric design. While traditional physical keys remain in use, the convenience, security, and personalization offered by BMW’s Digital Key Plus are setting new standards in automotive technology. Features like ultra-wideband (UWB) technology enable seamless, hands-free access, enhancing both security and user experience. The ability to share digital keys with customizable permissions adds a layer of flexibility previously unattainable with physical keys.
As these systems continue to evolve, it’s conceivable that digital keys will become the norm, reshaping our interaction with vehicles. This transformation not only reflects advancements in automotive technology but also aligns with the growing trend of digitalization in everyday life. BMW’s commitment to innovation ensures that the future of vehicle access is secure, convenient, and tailored to individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BMW Digital Key Plus?
BMW Digital Key Plus is an advanced vehicle access system that allows you to unlock, lock, and start your BMW using a compatible smartphone or smartwatch, leveraging Ultra-Wideband technology for enhanced security and convenience.
Which devices are compatible with BMW Digital Key Plus?
Compatible devices include Apple iPhone 11 or newer, Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, and select Android smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy S23+ / Ultra and Google Pixel 7 Pro.
Can I share my digital key with others?
Yes, you can share your digital key with up to five users via text message, assigning specific permissions and restrictions as needed.
What happens if my phone battery dies?
BMW Digital Key Plus offers a Power Reserve mode, allowing you to unlock and start your vehicle for up to five hours after your phone’s battery is depleted.
Is the digital key secure against hacking?
Yes, the use of Ultra-Wideband technology and encrypted communication significantly reduces the risk of relay attacks and unauthorized access.
