Apple iPhone SE 2 Could Support CarKey, According To iOS 13.4.5 Beta

Evidence inside the iOS 13.4.5 Beta code reveals that the upcoming iPhone SE 2 will have support for Apple's CarKey, a report claims.

Previous reports revealed that Apple will be releasing a successor to the wildly popular iPhone SE in the form of a 4.7-inch device that could be named the iPhone SE 2, iPhone 9, or simply “iPhone.” The device will boast of updated specs such as the latest A13 bionic chip powering the iPhone 11 lineup and more.

A look at the iOS 13.4.5 beta code reveals that the upcoming budget smartphone will feature support for Apple's CarKey function, 9To5Mac reported. This feature, if included, means the new handset can be used to unlock, lock and start a car.

9To5Mac found evidence pointing to the inclusion of the feature when it discovered a code that goes “CAR_KEY_EXPRESS_MODE_FOOTER_TOUCHID.” This code might not explicitly mention the name of the upcoming iPhone model, but it does mention a key feature believed to come with it: Touch ID.

While some might argue that the upcoming iPhone model isn't the only one that features the authentication method, the code also reveals another key spec that the CarKey-supporting device will have: Express Transit Cards.

“Car key will work without requiring Touch ID or your passcode, and may be available when your iPhone needs to be charged,” the code added.

9To5Mac explained that Express Transit Card technology allows the use of CarKey without using biometric methods and even when the device has run out of battery. iPhones starting from iPhone 6s had this feature, but only models starting from the iPhone XR and iPhone XS were able to use it even if the battery has been drained.

These details indicate that CarKey support is coming to a device that has both Touch ID and Express Transit that can run on a depleted battery. 9To5Mac noted that this device might be the upcoming iPhone 9, which has been leaked in the iOS 14 code.

Exciting

If this report proves true, then it appears that the upcoming iPhone SE successor will be the next iPhone of choice for many. It will be smaller than current flagships, cheaper than most smartphones (including Android handsets), just as powerful as Apple's current models, and can be used with cars.