WhileAndroid digital car keyis probably more prevalent these days, Apple actually did beat Google to the punch when it launched its own car key tech back in 2020. If you’ve got an iPhone, you may be tempted to go hunting for a compatible vehicle the next time you need to go shopping. Before you do though, here’s a primer on how Apple car key works, whichiPhonesare supported, and most importantly the available vehicles out there.
I’ll say this up front: it shouldn’t be the deciding factor when buying a car. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it’s ultimately just a luxury. In fact, many compatible vehicles are explicitly luxury models, so you might be sacrificing money, range, or cargo space for the privilege.
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What is Apple car key?
The controls you actually have with it vary
As you’d expect, Apple car key lets you use an iPhone to unlock a car, start it, and/or control other features, depending on what an automaker allows. Keys are added to your iPhone’s Wallet app, and should sync to a paired Apple Watch if you have one. You can also share them with others, adjusting permissions in case someone’s a guest driver. By default keys take advantage of Express Mode, so in most cases, they bypass the need to unlock your phone.
Apple’s tech relies on a mix of wireless standards: NFC, UWB (ultra-wideband), and Bluetooth. These enable three different forms of access:
Which iPhones (and Apple Watches) support Apple car key?
Accessibility will depend on your device’s generation
To use the feature, you’ll need at least an iPhone XS or second-generation iPhone SE. If you want to use a paired Apple Watch, the minimum is a Series 5 or SE. Any device you use should be updated to the latest possible version of iOS or watchOS.
For passive entry, the requirements are higher – you need an iPhone 11 and/or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later. Anything released prior won’t have the necessary UWB hardware.
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How does Apple car key work?
We’ve already covered the basics, but here’s a little more about how to use it.
Initial setup and use
In practice, passive entry and proximity control are simple enough, but remote control is the one option that requires you to unlock your iPhone and manually open the Wallet app. When you select your key in the app, you’ll be presented with model-specific options, but you’ll need to be within Bluetooth range of your vehicle – usually a few dozen feet.
Sharing a key
Which cars support Apple car key?
There aren’t many supported models available so far, and you’ll notice that most of them belong to BMW. You’re also not going to find any budget options – the closest you’ll come are vehicles from Kia and Hyundai.
Here’s a breakdown by brand as of May 2024. We’ll periodically update this list, but check with dealers when you’re shopping – new models are launching all the time, and some existing ones could potentially update with Apple support.
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Q: What happens if my iPhone battery runs out?
Depending on your iPhone model, you may still be okay. Passive entry probably won’t work, but you should be able to use proximity (NFC) access for up to five hours if your battery runs dry and you haven’t manually powered down. you’re able to check if a car key is available by pressing the side or Home button, but be warned – this shortens the NFC power reserve.
Apple doesn’t actually list supported iPhones, so be sure to carry a physical key with you when you leave home.
Q: What if I lose my iPhone or Apple Watch?
Assuming it’s truly gone, be sure to put it in Lost Mode usingFind My. This will automatically disable everything in the Wallet app, keys included.
