Apple’s Next‑Level Drive: Digital Car Keys Coming to Audi, Polestar & Volvo
Good news for tech‑savvy drivers! Apple is rolling out digital car keys that let you unlock and start your car with just a tap of your Apple Watch or iPhone. The move isn’t limited to one brand; Audi, Polestar, and Volvo will be the first to get the upgrade.
How It Works
When you’re close to the vehicle, the NFC chip in your phone or watch flips on. The key string in the Spotify app (sorry, I mean Safari for iPhone) sends a secure signal to the car’s reader. If the system recognizes the signature, ding! the car unlocks, and with another tap it starts—no key fob required.
What You’ll Find Inside Apple Wallet
- Digital Car Key – Visible as a new icon inside the Wallet app.
- Setup Wizard – Guides you through pairing your device with the vehicle.
- Security Checks – Multiple layers from Apple’s crypto specs keep the key safe.
Why It Matters
For Audi, Polestar, and Volvo users, this means:
- More convenient: no more fumbling for the key every time you hit the curb.
- Better integration: it syncs with your other Apple services, like the CarPlay map update.
- Future‑proofing: as more car makers adopt the same NFC‑based approach, Apple’s ecosystem gets only more powerful.
Heads Up
The feature will work exactly as advertised, but the specific key functionalities depend on each car’s model and manufacturer. If you’re driving a prototype or an older model, you might hit a software snag. Stay tuned for firmware updates—Apple tends to patch these quirks pretty swiftly.
All in all, Apple is adding another feather to its hat, moving closer to the vision of a fully integrated digital life—no plug‑and‑play key fobs in your pocket, just a brisk tap and vroom‑vroom! Enjoy the ride.
Apple Rides the Wave of Digital Car Keys
Remember when you used a plastic key to bump into your car? 2022 brought a shiny twist: Apple’s digital car keys went from idea to reality, letting you lock, unlock, and even start your ride with just a tap on your iPhone. And it’s not just a one‑liner gimmick—big car brands are hopping on the bandwagon.
Brands that are on board
- RAM
- Mercedes‑Benz
- Lotus
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Genesis
- BYD
- BMW
These makers have rolled out support for remote vehicle unlocking and starting right after Apple rolled out the feature. If you’re curious about whether your bumper-to-bumper buddy is Apple‑compatible, head over to the official Apple page; they’ve listed every supporting make and model. No more fumbling for keys—just the power of touch.
Why it matters
- Convenience: No need to dig around in your bag or pocket.
- Security: Remote access that’s encrypted and tied to your iPhone’s authentication.
- Future‑ready: As cars get smarter, having a digital key fits seamlessly into the ecosystem.
The Scoop
It’s a win-win: Apple brings its sleek ecosystem to the road, while car designers get to sprinkle a bit of tech geekery into their vehicles. The move signals a broader shift toward smart mobility—and everyone’s invited to the club.
