Apple Expands Digital Car Key Feature to Select Automakers in 2025

In a significant move towards integrating technology with transportation, Apple Inc. has expanded its digital car key feature, originally introduced in 2020, to a wider array of vehicles. This feature allows users to lock, unlock, and start compatible vehicles using an iPhone or Apple Watch, seamlessly integrating automotive access into the Apple ecosystem. As of July 2025, the feature is available in models from several leading automakers, including Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, with plans for further expansion.

According to Apple's official statements, the digital car key capability is designed to enhance user convenience while maintaining security. The feature utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, allowing the iPhone to communicate directly with the vehicle's locking system. Users can store their car keys in the Wallet app, enabling them to leave traditional key fobs behind. This innovation reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry towards digitalization and app-based vehicle management.

The current list of vehicles compatible with Apple’s digital car key includes models from 2021 and newer for BMW and 2023 and newer for Hyundai, among others. Notably, the 2025 Audi A5, Q5, and A6 are among the latest additions to this list. These models are equipped with the necessary hardware to support the digital key functionality, although the exact specifications may vary by model and year (Apple Inc., 2025).

Experts in automotive technology, such as Dr. Emily Carter, Director of the Automotive Technology Lab at MIT, emphasize the importance of such advancements. "The integration of smartphones with automotive security systems represents a paradigm shift in how we interact with our vehicles. It not only offers convenience but also enhances security through advanced encryption methods," she stated in her 2023 paper published in the Journal of Transportation Security.

The expansion of Apple’s digital car key feature is not without its challenges. Security experts have raised concerns about the potential vulnerabilities associated with digital keys, particularly regarding hacking and unauthorized access. According to a report from cybersecurity firm McAfee, incidents of keyless car thefts have been on the rise, prompting manufacturers to implement additional security measures (McAfee, 2023).

From an industry perspective, the move aligns with the increasing competition among automakers to adopt smart technologies. According to the 2023 Automotive Tech Report by Deloitte, nearly 75% of car buyers are interested in vehicles equipped with advanced technology features, including smartphone integration (Deloitte, 2023). This growing consumer demand is pushing manufacturers to innovate rapidly, as seen with the recent announcements from 13 additional automakers, including Rivian and Porsche, who plan to adopt Apple’s digital key feature in their upcoming models, as highlighted during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025.

Looking ahead, the potential for further integration between smartphones and vehicles is vast. As Apple continues to enhance its digital key feature, industry analysts predict a future where vehicle access and control could extend beyond simple locking and unlocking to include functionalities such as climate control and vehicle diagnostics through mobile apps. This could fundamentally change the user experience in personal transportation, making vehicles more like smart devices in terms of connectivity and functionality (Gartner, 2025).

In summary, Apple’s expansion of its digital car key feature to a broader range of vehicles marks a significant step in the ongoing integration of technology and transportation. While this innovation presents considerable benefits in convenience and user experience, it also necessitates ongoing discussions about cybersecurity and safety in an increasingly digital automotive landscape.