- Apple allows digital car keys to be stored in the Wallet app
- Support will now be extended to three new car manufacturers, namely Audi, Polestar and Volvo
- We have no idea yet when the support will arrive and which specific models it will go to
The Wallet application on the iOS operating system is not only used to store payment cards, tickets and tickets. Abroad, it can normally be used to store, for example, long-term public transport tickets, keys to your house, identity card or even car keys. A number of car manufacturers offer the option of unlocking vehicles with the help of digital keys that owners have available on their smart devices, while Apple also supports this option.
Audi, Polestar and Volvo will get support for digital keys
The problem is that not all digital keys are supported, so many users have to miss out on the benefits of this option of unlocking and starting the vehicle. However, the positive news is the fact that the giant from Cupertino is going to extend the support of digital keys in the Wallet application to other brands in the foreseeable future. The MacRumors server discovered the upcoming changes directly in the application code, so it’s only a matter of time before the support becomes official.
And the owners of which cars can look forward to the expansion of support for digital keys? In order, there are vehicles from the brands Volvo, Polestar and Audi, so more agile drivers will be especially happy. We don’t know yet when the official support will happen, but it can be assumed that it will happen soon. An iPhone or Apple Watch can be used as a car key thanks to the built-in NFC chip, which allows the vehicle to be unlocked/locked or even started. Specific functionality may vary depending on the make and model of the car, so more functions may be available.
Don’t overlook
BMW owners are dealing with a curious problem. Their car unlocking doesn’t work on the new iPhones
Apple introduced support for digital keys in 2022, while brands that already support this option include, for example, BMW, BYD, Hyundai/Genesis/Kia, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz and RAM. It can be assumed that the list of supported brands and vehicles will only grow in the future. You can find the complete list of supported vehicles directly at official website of Apple.
Author of the article
Dominik Vlasak
Editor, traveler, fan of technology, Star Wars and good coffee.
Apple’s Wallet App: Your New Best Friend on Four Wheels
Well, well, well! Look who’s taken the first step in the ever-evolving world of automotive convenience—Apple! The tech titan has decided that your iPhone should not only store tickets, loyalty cards, and that embarrassing picture of you in a Hawaiian shirt, but also your car keys. That’s right, folks! The days of fumbling through your pockets in the rain just to find your car keys are over. Welcome to the future!
Expanding the Digital Key Family
- New Kids on the Block: Apple has announced that three new car manufacturers—Audi, Polestar, and Volvo—will soon be joining the digital key club. That’s fantastic news for anyone who’s ever had to deal with “Can you unlock the doors?” while they stood there, helpless, like a koala on a treadmill.
- When, Oh When? Unfortunately, just like that one friend who’s always late to dinner, Apple has left us hanging with no specific timeline. We’ve got no idea when this support will actually arrive, and which models it will grace with its digital presence. But hey, patience is a virtue, right? Right.
The Wallet Application: Not Just for Wallets Anymore!
The Wallet app on iOS can do a lot more than just keeping your credit cards warm. It’s like the Swiss Army Knife of your iPhone! In foreign lands, you can store everything from public transit tickets to your identity card. And now with digital car keys? Bravo, Apple! It’s almost like you’re trying to become a personal assistant instead of just a tech company.
Digital Keys: The VIP Entry to Your Car
So how does this magical unlocking work? Well, thanks to the built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) chip in your iPhone or Apple Watch, you can unlock, lock, or even start your vehicle. Just remember that the specific functionalities may vary based on the car’s model. It’s quite possible that your flashy car will have more tricks up its sleeve than you!
But Wait, There’s More!
Now, let’s not let the excitement overshadow a curious little hiccup—our lovely friends over at BMW are having some issues. Apparently, their car unlocking doesn’t work on the new iPhones. Oh, the irony! It’s like finding a premium coffee shop that serves instant coffee. Makes you question your life choices, doesn’t it?
The Future is Bright (and Digital)
Apple dived headfirst into the digital key revolution back in 2022, and brands like BMW, Hyundai, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, and RAM already enjoy the perks. With the addition of Audi, Polestar, and Volvo, it seems like the list is only going to grow longer. You can even follow the evolving roster of supported vehicles by visiting Apple’s official website. But be prepared; it’s like trying to keep up with a soap opera plot twist—just when you think you’ve got it figured out, they throw in a new character!
Conclusion
In short, what we have here is a glimpse into a promising future—one where we can unlock our cars with a mere tap on our smartphone. It’s convenient, it’s modern, and let’s face it, it makes us feel like we’re living in a sci-fi movie, albeit one without the flying cars (yet). So, keep your eyes peeled, folks! You might just find yourself waving goodbye to your handbag full of keys sooner than you think!
Until then, keep your wallets close and your keys even closer. Cheers!
