Apple unveils 13 automobile manufacturers integrating iPhone as digital car keys, but users wonder about the release dates.
In a recent announcement at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that 13 new car manufacturers will soon support digital car keys in the Apple Wallet app, joining existing brands that already offer this feature.
The new manufacturers include Acura, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Porsche, Rivian, Smart, Lucid Motors, Tata Motors, Hongqi, WEY, Chery, and Voyah. Apple did not specify an exact timeframe for when these new brands will start offering the feature, only stating it will be "soon" after the WWDC 2025 announcement.
Currently, digital car keys in Apple Wallet are available for select brands such as Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, among others. This feature allows users to lock, unlock, and start cars with iPhones or Apple Watches, with varying implementations such as passive entry or proximity-based unlocking.
To check the compatibility of your car with digital keys, visit Apple's web page and look for the key symbol, which indicates compatibility with digital keys. It's worth noting that not all cars from the listed manufacturers will support digital keys immediately, but they will be added at a later date.
Interestingly, some brands adding digital keys to Apple Wallet already offer CarPlay support. However, CarPlay Ultra, intended for select vehicle manufacturers, is facing early problems, with some promised car makers already backing out.
Apple's latest iOS 26 brings an updated CarPlay to iPhones and vehicles, which is currently in beta. This update is expected to enhance the user experience for both digital car keys and CarPlay.
While the exact number of cars from each manufacturer that will support digital keys has not been disclosed by Apple, it's clear that the future of car keys is moving towards a more digital and convenient solution, with Apple at the forefront of this transition.
In the future, smartphones and gadgets like Apple Watches might be used to lock, unlock, and start vehicles from Acura, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Porsche, Rivian, Smart, Lucid Motors, Tata Motors, Hongqi, WEY, Chery, and Voyah, as these manufacturers are set to offer digital car keys in the Apple Wallet app. With the latest update to iOS 26, Apple aims to improve the user experience for both digital car keys and CarPlay, suggesting that technology is playing an increasingly significant role in the transition towards more digital and convenient car key solutions.
