Apple

A software update could turn your iPhone into a car key that can be shared with your family, according to new reports from 9to5Mac. According to the report, the iOS 13.4 Beta references a "CarKey" API allowing manufacturers to use the iPhone or Apple Watch to lock, unlock and start a vehicle. Cars will need Near Field Connectivity (NFC) built into their doors to work with the system, which will allow owners to hold their phones up to the door instead of carrying a key.

Last month Google unveiled a significant design update for its Android Auto smartphone mirroring system, so it's no surprise Apple used today's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote to whip the covers off revisions to its CarPlay setup. While the upcoming version of Android Auto has a significant design change, the latest iteration of CarPlay features a less dramatic overhaul.

Remember all that talk about whether Mazda was charging too much for its Apple CarPlay and Android Auto retrofit? It looks like the price is right, because the company has around 3000 people requesting the upgrade. That's according to Alastair Doak, marketing director at Mazda Australia, who today told CarAdvice the company has already re-ordered parts from Japan twice, suggesting demand has exceeded expectations.

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, has confirmed the tech giant is working on autonomous vehicle technology. In an interview with Bloomberg Television recorded at last week's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Cook admitted, "We’re focusing on autonomous [driving] systems." Looking into his crystal ball, Cook says there's a "major disruption looming" for the automotive industry, thanks to ride sharing, self-driving technology, and electric vehicles, which he described as a "marvellous experience".

Welcome to the CarAdvice.com News Desk, a regular video wrap of the latest happenings in the automotive world and Australia's new-car market. Keeping you in the loop, Tegan Lawson presents a weekly video from the CarAdvice Garage,with everything you need to know about the week in news and reviews. What happened in the week ending February 24, 2017? Catch our video above, and links to the full stories below.