Apple just dropped some exciting car tech at WWDC, and if you’ve ever dreamed of unlocking your car with just your phone, things are about to get very real.
Apple Car Keys are expanding to 13 new vehicle brands. That means more people than ever can ditch the bulky key fob and roll out with just their iPhone or Apple Watch. Here’s everything you need to know.
Car Keys in Wallet: The Future of Car Access
If you’re new to this, Apple launched Car Keys back in 2020. It does exactly what it sounds like, turns your iPhone (or Watch) into a digital key for your car. Tap to unlock, tap to start. No key fob. No hassle.
But here’s where it gets even cooler. Depending on the car, you can:
- Walk up and it unlocks automatically (Passive Entry)
- Tap your phone to the door handle to lock or unlock (Proximity)
- Remote start or unlock your car from across the parking lot
Basically, it’s the kind of seamless Apple magic that makes you wonder why we ever did things differently.
13 New Brands Just Got Invited to the Party
Until now, Car Key support has been limited to a handful of brands (shoutout to BMW for being early to the game). But now, Apple’s adding 13 more, and some of these are big names:
- Acura
- Cadillac
- Chery
- Chevrolet
- GMC
- Hongqi
- Lucid
- Porsche
- Rivian
- Smart
- Tata
- Voyah
- WEY
Whether you’re in a luxury EV, a Chevy pickup, or even a Tata in India, Apple’s making sure your digital key works right out of your Wallet.
No official release dates yet, but since the news dropped at WWDC during the iOS 18 preview, there’s a good chance we’ll see this roll out before the end of the year.
Why It Actually Matters
This isn’t just a cool party trick. It’s everyday convenience with real-world impact:
- Forget your keys? Doesn’t matter. You’ve got your phone.
- Lending your car? Share a digital key over iMessage, complete with access controls.
- Security? Built-in. Plus, if you lose your phone, you can wipe keys remotely.
It’s the kind of Apple ecosystem upgrade that just makes sense, especially now that it’s coming to over 30 car brands.
Final Thoughts
The future is here, and it fits in your pocket.
Apple is turning the Wallet app into a true replacement for everything in your physical wallet such as credit cards, ID, tickets, and now car keys.
So if you’re driving one of the 13 new supported brands, get ready. No more jingling keys. No more lockouts. Just tap, go, and drive.
And honestly, that’s the kind of low-key innovation we love to see.
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Looking forward to September and replacing my 14 Pro Max. I am a little wary of the IOS 26 and the new learning needed for AI. It sounds like this may take some time and I am wondering if it wouldn’t be better to wait on IPhone 18 or start with the IP 17. I doubt I will want the Air and the Papaya color is too bright… not that I would not like the color…it is eye catching… and thieves will be drawn to it. I had my 14 Pro Max for one month and a thief broke into my car and stole it… insurance cost me $100 for a new refurbished phone. So, I’m definitely not buying a flashy color that says come follow me so I can get your phone.
Totally get where you’re coming from. Flashy colors like Papaya look cool, but they’re not exactly low key. As for iOS 26 and the AI stuff, there is a bit of a learning curve, but Apple usually rolls it out in a way that feels natural. If you’re upgrading this fall, iPhone 17 is looking like a solid step forward without being too experimental. iPhone 18 sounds exciting, but that’s still a year out and waiting might just mean you’re missing out now.