On the occasion of Apple Pay’s 10th anniversary, Jennifer Bailey, Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, gave some clues about the future of Apple’s digital wallet, particularly for car keys and identity documents.
Towards digital keys for car rentals?
Among the next use cases envisaged, Bailey cites vehicle rental in particular: “Imagine being able to reserve a car, confirm your identity… The rental company could issue you with a digital key, which can be used to unlock and drive the car.”
Apple already works with more than 30 automakers on digital keys, including BMW, Hyundai and Kia. Some hotel chains also allow access to rooms via Apple Wallet. Car rental therefore seems a logical next step. CarKey for rental companies would allow them to more easily manage their vehicle fleet as well as customer access, provided they also have an iPhone.
Digital identity: a gradual deployment
As for digital IDs, only 7 US states currently support them in Apple Wallet. But others will follow, assures Bailey. This will take time as each state understands Apple’s approach to data security and privacy. As with Apple Pay in its early days.
In transport too, “people love” being able to pay for their metro or bus ticket with their iPhone, rejoices Bailey. The ultimate goal? “A future where you can leave your physical wallet at home.”
If the basic technology is ready, there is still a way to go. But Apple intends to continue to expand the functionalities of its Wallet, with its sights set on the complete dematerialization of our wallets within 10 years. Car keys for rental could be a key next step.
