Forget fumbling for your physical keys. Imagine walking up to your car, and it unlocks automatically using just your iPhone or Apple Watch. Then, slide into the driver’s seat, place your phone on the pad, press the start button, and you’re ready to go. This isn’t science fiction; it’s Apple’s digital car key technology, a feature steadily becoming available in more and more vehicles. Since its introduction in 2020, this integration with the Apple Wallet app has been transforming how drivers access and start their cars. While Apple maintains its own list, keeping track of every compatible model can be tricky as automakers continue to roll out support. This guide provides an updated look at which vehicles currently offer iPhone car keys and which are slated to join the lineup soon.
Understanding Apple iPhone Car Key
At its core, the iPhone Car Key feature lets your Apple device (iPhone or Apple Watch) replace a traditional car key or fob. It uses Near Field Communication (NFC) and Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology depending on the vehicle and device to securely communicate with your car. The digital key is stored within the secure element of your iPhone’s Wallet app, just like a credit card or boarding pass. This technology allows you to lock, unlock, and even start compatible vehicles simply by interacting with your device.
The specific implementation and how you interact with the car can vary slightly between manufacturers and models. Based on recent announcements and existing integrations, there are generally three levels of functionality you might encounter:
Passive Entry & Start
This is the most seamless experience, utilizing Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology found in newer iPhones and vehicles. With the digital key added to your Wallet, you can simply approach the car, and it detects your presence, unlocking the doors automatically. Once inside, you can start the engine without even taking your phone out of your pocket or bag. The car locks itself when you walk away.
Proximity Interaction
For vehicles or devices primarily relying on NFC, you’ll typically need to hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near a specific reader on the car. This is often located on the door handle for unlocking/locking and on a designated pad or area inside the car (like the wireless charging pad) to enable starting the engine.
Remote Functionality
Some implementations may also allow limited remote actions through the car manufacturer’s companion app, which then leverages the digital key capabilities on your device. This could include remote locking/unlocking from a short distance, though the primary “key” function relies on NFC or UWB for proximity access and starting.
The digital key isn’t limited to the primary driver. You can securely share your car key digitally with family members or friends via the Wallet app. This can be done temporarily or permanently and often allows the primary owner to set restrictions, like limiting speed for a young driver.
Vehicles Currently Supporting iPhone Car Key
Support for Apple’s digital car key feature has been steadily growing since its debut. While Apple’s official list might not always be the first to show new additions, several major automakers have integrated the technology into their recent models. It’s important to remember that availability can sometimes depend on specific trim levels, optional packages, production dates, or even regional markets. Always check with the manufacturer or a local dealership for the most precise compatibility details for a specific vehicle.
Here’s a look at brands and models currently known to offer iPhone Car Key support:
Audi
Recent models from Audi are beginning to adopt the technology. Look for compatibility on:
2025 and newer A5
2025 and newer Q5, SQ5
2025 and newer A6, S6
2025 and newer Q6, SQ6
BMW
BMW was among the earliest adopters of Apple Car Key. Many models from recent years offer the feature, often starting from the 2021 model year.
2021 and newer 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 8 Series
2021 and newer X5, X6, X7
2021 and newer X5 M, X6 M
2021 and newer Z4
2022 and newer i4, iX, iX1, iX3
2023 and newer i3, i7
2024 and newer i5
MINI
MINI, part of the BMW Group, is also integrating the digital key into its latest generation models. Compatibility often depends on the production date.
Aceman (produced from May 2024)
Cooper (3-door) C / S (produced from March 2024)
Cooper (3-door) E / SE (produced from November 2023)
Cooper (5-door) (produced from July 2024)
Countryman (produced from November 2023)
Hyundai
Hyundai and its affiliated brands have rapidly expanded support for digital keys, including integration with Apple Wallet.
2023 and newer Palisade, IONIQ 6
2024 and newer Elantra, Kona, Santa Fe, Sonata
2025 and newer Tucson, Santa Cruz, IONIQ 5
2026 and newer IONIQ 9
Kia
Kia models from recent years are also increasingly featuring the digital key capability.
2023 and newer Telluride, Niro, Seltos
2024 and newer EV3, EV6, EV9, Sorento
2025 and newer Carnival
Genesis
As Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis also offers the feature on its newer, higher-end models.
2023 and newer GV60, G90
2024 and newer G70
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is including digital key support in some of its latest models and upcoming EVs.
2024 and newer E‑Class
2025 and newer EQE, EQS
Polestar
The electric performance brand Polestar supports digital keys across its newer platform models.
All models of the Polestar 3
All models of the Polestar 4
RAM
RAM is integrating the feature into its popular truck lineup.
2025 and newer RAM 1500
Volvo
Volvo is also bringing the digital key experience to its latest generation electric vehicles.
2024 and newer EX30, EX90
Lotus
The iconic sports car brand Lotus is including the feature in its new electric models.
2024 and newer Eletre, Emeya
Beyond these major players, other manufacturers like BYD and Lynk & Co have also reportedly begun rolling out support in select markets.
The Future of iPhone Car Keys: More Brands Coming Soon
Apple isn’t stopping with the current list of automakers. During its WWDC 2025 keynote presentation, Apple announced a significant expansion of the iPhone Car Key feature. This included the addition of support for 13 new vehicle brands that are expected to offer the capability “soon.” This announcement signals a clear push towards making the digital key a more ubiquitous standard across the automotive industry.
The 13 automakers newly confirmed to be integrating Apple Car Key support are:
Acura
Cadillac
Chery
Chevrolet
GMC
Hongqi
Lucid Motors
Porsche
Rivian
Smart
Tata Motors
Voyah
- WEY
- www.macrumors.com
- www.tomsguide.com
- 9to5mac.com
- www.techradar.com
- www.zdnet.com
For Rivian specifically, the announcement indicated that the second-generation R1S and R1T models, along with newer vehicles, will gain this functionality. While the “soon” timeframe for these 13 brands lacks a precise date, the announcement coinciding with the preview of iOS 26 suggests that these integrations are actively in development and could begin appearing in new models within the next year or so. It’s important to note that this Car Key expansion is distinct from Apple’s next-generation CarPlay system (sometimes referred to as CarPlay Ultra), which focuses on integrating iPhone features deeper into a car’s entire display system, including the instrument cluster. Car Key is purely about keyless access and starting via the Wallet app.
As more vehicles become connected and software-defined, expect the list of compatible cars to continue growing. This trend towards digital access reflects a broader shift in the automotive industry towards integrating vehicles more deeply into our personal technology ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Apple iPhone Car Key work to unlock and start a car?
Apple iPhone Car Key uses secure wireless technologies like NFC (Near Field Communication) and UWB (Ultra Wideband) to communicate with a compatible vehicle. The digital key is stored securely in your iPhone’s Wallet app. To unlock, you typically hold your phone near the door handle (NFC) or simply approach the car with your phone in your pocket (UWB, if supported). To start the car, you usually place your iPhone on a designated reader pad inside the vehicle and press the start button. The specific interaction can vary based on the car model and technology used.
Which car manufacturers currently offer support for Apple iPhone Car Key?
As of recent updates, several major automotive brands offer iPhone Car Key support on select models. These include Audi, BMW, MINI, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, RAM, Volvo, and Lotus, among others like BYD and Lynk & Co. The feature is typically available on newer model years, often starting from 2021-2025 depending on the brand and specific model line. Compatibility details vary, so checking the model year and trim is essential.
Which new vehicle brands are expected to add Apple iPhone Car Key support soon?
Apple announced at its WWDC 2025 event that 13 additional automakers are planning to integrate support for the iPhone Car Key feature in the near future. These brands are Acura, Cadillac, Chery, Chevrolet, GMC, Hongqi, Lucid Motors, Porsche, Rivian, Smart, Tata Motors, Voyah, and WEY. While a specific timeline wasn’t provided for all, this indicates a significant expansion of the technology across a wider range of vehicles expected over the coming months and years.
Conclusion
The ability to use your iPhone or Apple Watch as a digital car key represents a significant step in vehicle technology and convenience. What started with just a few models is now rapidly expanding across numerous brands and vehicle types, from luxury sedans and SUVs to popular trucks and electric vehicles. With 13 more manufacturers recently announced to be joining the fold, the future of car access is clearly heading towards a digital, phone-centric experience.
While checking for compatibility on specific models remains crucial due to variations in trim, production dates, and regional availability, this updated list provides a comprehensive overview for anyone looking to purchase a new vehicle with this modern feature or wondering if their current car might support it. As software updates and new models roll out, expect the list of vehicles compatible with iPhone Car Key to grow even longer, making the concept of a traditional key fob feel increasingly like a relic of the past.
