With Apple Car Keys becoming increasingly supported by more and more car brands, the concept of using your smartphone as a key is increasingly becoming a reality. The latest rumors suggest that other car manufacturers will join soon.
When it was introduced in 2020, Apple's digital car key was initially only compatible with a select few BMW models. In 2022, rumors emerged that the feature could also be made available to select Hyundai brand vehicles such as Genesis. Now there are more rumors: other car manufacturers are also expected to join.
The Car Key feature, which uses your iPhone as a digital car key, is currently available on select models from BMW, BYD, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz and Rivian. According to the latest information from MacRumors, three more brands will soon offer support for Car Key: Audi, Volvo, and Polestar.
Changes have been detected in the wallet app code in iOS
As Golem reported, Apple is expanding support for NFC- and UWB-based car key technology. In addition to the already supported manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lotus, Hyundai and BYD, three more brands will be added soon. Evidence of this has been discovered in code changes to the Wallet app on iOS, Macrumors has discovered.
According to the latest leak, Audi will soon also support Apple Car Keys, which will make Audi the number one brand in the VW Group. It is not yet known exactly how the function will be implemented and what models it can use. On the other hand, BMW now offers this function for almost all models, including the 1 Series.
Car key requirements on iPhone or Apple Watch
The car key can be added to the Wallet app to use your iPhone or Apple Watch to lock, unlock, and start your car.
The following requirements must be met in order to have a car key on your iPhone or… Add Apple Watch And use:
- Compatible car. You can ask the car manufacturer or car dealer whether the car is supported or not.
- iPhone
- Sign in with the Apple ID on the device.
In some vehicles, passive entry can be used to lock, unlock or start the vehicle without having to actively use the device. All you have to do is carry your iPhone or Apple Watch with you. If you get close to the car, it will automatically unlock. Once you get into the car, you can start it. If you finally step away from the car again, it will lock automatically.
While automakers have been offering the ability to lock and unlock vehicles remotely using smartphones for some time, Apple Car Key has taken a different approach: iPhone and Apple Watch also act like physical keys. To use this function, the user simply places their device on the car door handle to open it. In some vehicles, the vehicle can also be started by placing the device near the ignition switch. With newer iPhones equipped with Apple's U1 chip, you don't even need to take the phone out of your pocket to unlock the car.
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