Apple Rolling Out Virtual Office Badges, Hotel and Home Keys
By Celia Young June 7, 2021 5:03 pm
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Apple has started to get into the proptech market.
The company announced Monday that iPhone users will be able to use the phone to get into their office, home, car, and even some hotels as part of its software’s latest update.
Apple had previously included virtual car keys in the iPhone’s Wallet application, but Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Wallet and Apple Pay, said during its annual Worldwide Developer Conference that it would be expanded in iOS 15 with ultra-wideband support for users to unlock their cars or get into their office building without taking their phone out of their pocket. But the tech giant is expanding its key functions even further through a partnership with Hyatt Hotels.
Electronic hotel keys will automatically appear in a user’s wallet when their room is ready, even before they have arrived at a hotel, Bailey said.
“Starting this fall, Hyatt hotels will start rolling this out to over 1,000 properties worldwide, creating a faster and safer experience for their guests,” said Bailey. “Anywhere you go, just tap to unlock.”
Users will be able to unlock their home, apartment, corporate office or use a public transport card with an Apple iPhone as well, said Bailey. Walt Disney World is among the partner companies working with Apple on this feature, and has already added park passes to the iPhone.
Apple has also partnered with World of Hyatt, software company CBORD, and smart lock and keyless entry company Latch.
Latch went public on the same day as Apple’s announcement through a special purpose acquisition company, receiving $453 million in cash proceeds, net of fees and expenses, to expand the company’s software into new properties and locations, Commercial Observer reported.
