Your iPhone is About to Become Your Car Key
Apple expands its digital car key feature to 13 new automakers, moving us closer to a world without physical keys
The humble car key has had quite a journey. From a simple piece of metal to a plastic fob with buttons, and now, to a completely digital version living inside the device we carry everywhere. Apple’s vision of replacing the physical wallet is taking another significant leap forward, as its Car Key feature is set to arrive for 13 additional vehicle brands. This expansion marks a pivotal moment in how we interact with our cars, turning our iPhone or Apple Watch into the only thing we need to get on the road.
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The End of the Car Key Fob?
First launched in 2020, Apple’s Car Key feature aims to make the bulky key fob obsolete. Stored securely in the Apple Wallet app, a digital car key allows you to lock, unlock, and even start your vehicle using just your iPhone or Apple Watch. The technology offers different levels of convenience depending on the automaker’s implementation:
Passive Entry: The most seamless experience. Simply approach your car with your device, and it unlocks automatically. Once inside, you can start the engine. When you walk away, it locks behind you. No need to even take your iPhone out of your pocket.
Proximity: For other vehicles, you can hold your device near the door handle or key reader to lock or unlock the car.
Remote Access: Use your device to remotely lock and unlock your car from a distance, a handy feature for those “did I lock the car?” moments.
One of the most thoughtful features is Power Reserve. If your iPhone’s battery dies, you can still access and start your car for up to five hours, preventing you from getting stranded.
A Major Expansion Is on the Horizon
Until now, the list of supported vehicles has been growing steadily, but Apple’s latest announcement signals a major acceleration. Soon, owners of cars from 13 more brands will be able to add a digital key to their Apple Wallet. The new brands joining the fold are:
Acura
Cadillac
Chery
Chevrolet
GMC
Hongqi
Lucid
Porsche
Rivian
Smart
Tata
Voyah
WEY
This expansion will bring the total number of supported vehicle brands to 33, pushing digital car keys further into the mainstream. While Apple hasn’t given a precise timeline for each brand’s rollout, the commitment is clear.
The Future Is in Your Wallet
The move toward digital car keys is about more than just convenience; it’s about integration. Your car key sits alongside your credit cards, loyalty cards, and transit passes, creating a unified digital hub for your life’s essentials. Imagine leaving the house with only your phone, confident that it holds everything you need for the day.
This integration points to a future where your car is just another connected device in your personal ecosystem. We’re moving beyond simple Bluetooth audio streaming toward a world where your vehicle and personal devices work in perfect harmony. As more automakers adopt these open standards, the lines between our digital lives and our driving experience will continue to blur, creating a simpler, more connected journey.
What are your thoughts on digital car keys? Is it a feature you’re excited about, or do you have reservations about ditching the physical fob? Share your perspective in the comments below.
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Well, it only worked on as the new cars come out