Apple's Wallet App Now Gains Functionality to Operate Specific Vehicles
In a significant move to enhance user experience across its device lineup, Apple has announced an expansion of its digital car key feature at WWDC 2025. The latest update will support 13 new car brands, bringing the total number of compatible brands to 33.
The 13 new automakers joining the digital car key support are Acura, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Porsche, Rivian, Smart, Lucid Motors, Tata Motors, Hongqi, WEY, Chery, and Voyah. This expansion includes popular volume sellers like Chevrolet and GMC, which will significantly boost the number of Car Key-enabled vehicles on the road, particularly in North America and China.
Previously, Apple's digital car key feature was available for brands such as Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, among others. With this update, iPhone and Apple Watch owners will be able to use their devices to lock, unlock, and even start cars from these new manufacturers through the Wallet app.
The virtual keys provide an easy way to lock and unlock cars, and they can be used for passive entry, remote access, and proximity unlocking. To start the car engine, users can simply use their iPhone while sitting inside the car. The secure element chip in Apple iPhones and Apple Watches ensures the safety of sensitive data, as it cannot be cloned or altered to change private information.
Apple has also added additional security measures to the digital car key feature. Users can set up a virtual key for their car via email, text message, the car's display, or the manufacturer's car app. Access to the virtual key is further secured with Face ID and device passcodes, ensuring that only authorised users can access the car.
Users can share the key access with friends, colleagues, and family members, making it easier to lend cars or allow others to drive them. The digital car key feature also allows users to control the speed of the car or access hours, providing added convenience and peace of mind.
The integration of digital car keys is a significant development in Apple's ongoing efforts to enhance user experience across its device lineup. With this expansion, Apple is positioning itself at the forefront of the digital car key ecosystem, offering a seamless and secure solution for car owners.
[1] Apple Insider. (2025). Apple to add 13 more car brands to digital car key support. [online] Available at: https://appleinsider.com/articles/22/06/06/apple-to-add-13-more-car-brands-to-digital-car-key-support
[2] The Verge. (2025). Apple's digital car key feature is now supported by 13 more car brands. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2025/6/6/23156365/apple-digital-car-key-13-more-car-brands-supported
[3] MacRumors. (2025). Apple Expands Digital Car Key Support to 33 Brands. [online] Available at: https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/06/apple-digital-car-key-33-brands/
[4] TechCrunch. (2025). Apple's digital car key feature gets a major upgrade with new brands and features. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/06/apples-digital-car-key-feature-gets-a-major-upgrade-with-new-brands-and-features/
iPhone and Apple Watch owners can now use their devices to unlock, lock, and even start smartphones like the latest models from Acura, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Porsche, Rivian, Smart, Lucid Motors, Tata Motors, Hongqi, WEY, Chery, and Voyah, thanks to Apple's expansion of its digital car key feature. This move signifies Apple's ongoing efforts to incorporate technology in various sectors, such as smartphones and gadgets, as well as automotive technology.
