I recently spoke at length about the failures and disappointments Apple has been experiencing in recent years due to its software. The latest great example is using your iPhone as a car key, something that should be relatively simple, but there's no way to extend it. It's even surprising that within various manufacturer groups, some brands have the feature while others don't. In fact, we find that older vehicles have integrated this functionality, yet newer ones omit it. Why is that? Something's going on with Car Key in Wallet, we still can't easily open the car with our iPhone.
This function of digital car key In the Wallet app, announced at WWDC 2020, it's still completely absent for ordinary people. This NFC feature allows users to control their vehicle directly from their iPhone or Apple Watch, eliminating the need to carry a physical key.
How Does Apple's Digital Car Key Work?
The implementation of this feature varies by vehicle manufacturer, but in general, it offers three main modes of use:
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Passive Entry: When you approach the car with your device, it unlocks automatically. Once inside, you can start the engine, and when you walk away, it locks again.
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Closeness: You can lock, unlock, and start your car by simply holding your device close to the door handle or key reader.
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Remote: Additionally, you can lock and unlock your car remotely from your device, accessing other additional functions.
Another advantage is the Express Mode, which allows you to use the key without having to unlock your device or authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. You can also share your car key with other users using apps like Messages, Mail, or AirDrop.
What vehicles are compatible?
| Audi | 2025 Audi A6 Avant E-Tron |
| BMW | 1 Series (2021+), 2 Series (2021+), 3 Series (2021+), 4 Series (2021+), 5 Series (2021+), 6 Series (2021+), 8 Series (2021+), X1 (2023+), X2 (2023+), X3 (2023+), X5 (2021+), X6 (2021+), (7+), X2021 M (5+), |
| BYD | HAN (2022+) |
| genesis | GV60 (2023+), G90 (2023+), G70 (2024+) |
| Hyundai | Palisade (2023+), IONIQ 6 (2023+), Kona EV (2024+), Santa Fe (2024+), IONIQ 5 (2025) |
| Kia | Telluride (2023+), Niro (2023+), Seltos (2024+), EV9 (2024+) |
| Lotus | Eletre (2024+), Emeya (2024+) |
| MINI | Aceman (05/24+), Cooper (3-door) C/S (03/24+), Cooper (3-door) E/SE (11/23+), Cooper (5-door) (07/24+), Countryman (11/23+), John Cooper Works Countryman (11/23+) |
| Mercedes-Benz | E-Class (2024+) |
| Polestar | Polestar 3 |
| Rivian | R1T (second generation, coming soon), R1S (second generation, coming soon) |
| Volvo | EX90 (2024+), EX30 (2024+) |
| RAM | RAM 1500 (2025) |