Our smartphones can do almost anything. In the case of the Samsung Galaxy, it can soon replace your physical car key.
Samsung announced Thursday that Galaxy smartphone owners can use their device as a digital car key, with the ability to unlock, lock and start your car.
The feature will first be available on the Genesis GV60 electric vehicle, which launches in Korea.
The digital key will live within the Samsung Pass app and is available for the Galaxy S21+ and Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, and the ZFold2 and 3.
Along with starting or unlocking the car, the digital key also allows owners to open the trunk and activating personal settings like mirror and seat adjustments.
The concept of the digital car key isn’t new. Hyundai’s 2020 Sonata also incorporates a digital key for users to lock, unlock or start their cars through a smartphone.
Apple has also partnered with BMW on a digital car key for the luxury automaker’s vehicles. With the release this month of iOS 15, Apple said it was broadening support for the use of digital car keys, as well as house and hotel keys, through its Wallet app.
