In case you missed it, back in 2020, Apple introduced a feature on their iPhones called the Apple Car Key. Using NFC (Near Field Communication) – that handy technology that lets you tap and pay, along with many other wireless information exchanges – the Car Key transforms both iPhones and Apple Watches into virtual key fobs. Meaning, no key, no fob…just your phone and you’ve got entry into your vehicle.
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Initially, this remote key was only made available to luxury brands like BMW, it’s now set to expand to include many more vehicles brands riding the spectrum from budget to flash . Not to be outdone, this expansion likely has come about as a way for Apple to seeks to hold their own up against Android’s Digital Key feature.
With the aim to connect iPhones with a much wider range of vehicles by 2025, Apple is set to add 13 more car brands to its ecosystem. This goal certainly sounds like Apple: anyone with an iPhone or Mac knows about Apple’s leading-edge effort to integrate its innovations throughout daily life.
So, which automotive makes currently have the Apple Car Key? Let’s see:
Current Apple Car Key Partners
BMW: the OG partner since the first Car Key prototype
Audi: PPE and MLB models, as well as Q6 and A6, set to expand
Volvo: EX30 and EX90
Mini: Since 2023 – Cooper, Countryman, Aceman
Hyundai: Since 2023 – Palisade, IONIQ 6. From 2024 – Kona, Santa Fe, Elantra, IONIQ 5
Kia: Since 2023 – Telluride, Niro, Seltos. From 2024 – EV6, EV9, Sorrento. From 2025 – Carnival, K5
Genesis: Since 2023 – GV60, G90. From 2025 G80, GV80
Mercedes: From 2021 – S Class. From 2024 – E Class. From 2025 – EQE, EQS. With some other classes supporting it as well.
Of course, when it comes to security, Apple is a stickler. Car Key utilizes encrypted communication, which enhances safety, and going one step further, enacting remote revocation capabilities if a device gets lost. Keeping everything on the up and up, Apple is a member of the Car Connectivity Consortium and is committed to standardizing these technologies industry-wide, addressing challenges in collaboration.
The all-essential aspect of security features being used, of course, is biometric authentication via Face ID or Touch ID. That said, as digital keys become ubiquitous, cybersecurity is at front and center. Apple remains insistent on rigorous compatibility testing with auto manufacturers, looking for a safe and seamless user experience. And while this testing is of utmost importance, it has slowed down what would otherwise be a rapid expansion to more brands.
Nevertheless, let’s see which automotive brands are due to fall into the lineup of remote key access with iPhone and Apple Watch.
Future Apple Car Key Partners
In the lineup of makes set to incorporate this technology are:
Acura, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Porsche, Rivian, Smart, and Lucid. Which may not seem like a lot, but considering that each of these makes will likely have more than one model made compatible with with the Apple Car Key, it’s actually quite a significant branching out for the tech giant.
What’s more, this growth is not only a boon for Apple, but could positively affect the automotive industry as well. Car manufacturers are given a huge customer base to tap into – that of Apple enthusiasts – and can also add this as another perk to add to their list of selling points to prospective clients. Consumers looking for ease and tech-forward features are likely to take well to this convenience.
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