A future version of the iPhone could be getting a Breathalyzer function. That feature will limit access to the Apple Car Key functionality, effectively making it so you can’t drive your car if intoxicated.

Figure 1: Breathalyzer function for apple car key.

Figure 1 shows that That’s according to an Apple patent application, first noticed by Patently Apple. In the patent, it shows a series of intended screen actions, all referencing breathalysers and unlocking the Apple Car Keys functionality. [1]

Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of accidents. Last year alone, there were 5,019 accidents in Ukraine involving drunk drivers. 113 people died in these road accidents, 1,072 people were injured, according to Apostroph.

In the United States, this problem is given no less attention, because there, according to statistics, every 52 minutes a person dies from drunk driving. So, the good news is that Apple has patented a Breathalyzer function for Car Key technology.

Remind you that Car Key is a technology that uses the NFC chip in the iPhone (XR and later) and Apple Watch (Series 5 and later), allowing the device to function as a car key. Car Key is stored in the Wallet application, it can be shared with friends. The functionality of the digital key depends on the car model. [2]

It’s possible in the US for someone convicted of drunk driving to be required to have a Breathalyzer fitted to their car after they have served a driving ban or prison sentence, which doesn’t allow the vehicle to be started unless the reading is well below the legal limit. As Car Key becomes a standard feature, this tech could make it much easier to impose such conditions on all those convicted.

We of course add our usual patent disclaimer: Apple patents a great number of ideas, most of which never make it into products – but I very much hope this one does. [3]

References:

1. https://knowtechie.com/apple-patent-reveals-a-breathalyzer-test-for-the-iphone-and-car-key/
2. https://mezha.media/en/2022/05/06/apple-patents-breathalyzer/
3. https://9to5mac.com/2022/05/05/future-car-key-breathalyser-feature/

Cite this article:

Sri Vasagi K (2022), iPhone Getting a Breathalyzer Function for Apple Car Key, AnaTechMaz, pp. 91