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iPhone's Car Key Feature Set to Improve as Apple Tests Digital Key 4.0

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In 2020, Apple added a digital car key feature to its Wallet app, allowing users to lock, unlock, and start compatible vehicles with select iPhone and Apple Watch models. The feature is based on the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC)'s Digital Key specification, which will be receiving an upgrade soon, according to an announcement today.

iPhone Car Key Kia
Digital Key version 3.0 was released in 2021, adding support for Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology alongside Bluetooth LE. Four years later, it appears that the CCC is currently in the process of readying Digital Key version 4.0. In a press release today, the CCC said that Apple and other CCC members will be conducting real-world testing of Digital Key version 4.0 this week at an event hosted by Apple in Cupertino, California.

Unfortunately, the CCC has not shared many details about Digital Key version 4.0 at this time. All it said is that the latest specification will "further improve cross-platform interoperability and cross-version compatibility" of digital car keys.

iPhone Car Key WWDC 2025
Digital Key version 4.0 should enhance the iPhone's car key feature in various ways, but we will have to wait for specific details and a timeframe.

We recently shared a list of vehicles that offer iPhone car keys, including select models from Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, RAM, Volvo, and others. During its WWDC 2025 keynote last month, Apple listed other brands that will soon offer the feature, including Acura, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Porsche, Rivian, and more.

Tags: Apple Wallet, iPhone Car Keys Guide

Top Rated Comments

F
Finalcountdown
9 months ago
This has been a cool feature. I haven’t carried my car keys in a year. And I can send a key to guests so they can drive my car until they leave. It’s one of the more “futuristic” conveniences…
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
jz0309
9 months ago

It's not a "nice to have." It should be the future. Just because I've ridden a horse for years doesn't make it a "nice to have" to get in a car. Tesla is the gold standard of car unlocking methodology, especially now they're using the ultrawide band of BT to accomplish it. Not carrying a key fob is not a nice to have. It's a bloody inconvenience to have a chunky thing in your pocket that's not necessary.
Sure, it'll be the future until that future changes again.
For me, it's a nice to have, like it or not.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
jaytv111
9 months ago

Does this even need the car to be internet connected? Current keyless entry cars don't have that requirement. If there is no internet connectivity required, there is no excuse for any modern car maker to not support this.

I note that the Japanese brands are all conspicuous by their absense. Mazada was one of the last adopters of Car Play, so I can't see them getting on board with this anytime soon. Shame, as their key fobs are massive!
Not strictly required. The only thing is there needs to be an initial setup and that requires internet from the car but I think it can be on WiFi (set it up in your driveway or at the dealer), but further uses of the Apple Car keys don’t strictly need internet because it’s completely local.

There are two versions: NFC and UWB, and the UWB version uses Bluetooth as the wireless transport layer (UWB is a locator), either versions are completely local to phone and car and thus no internet needed.

But, one caveat is it typically gets tied with connectivity in the car, I think BMW is tying these keys with connectivity subscriptions for instance. So not strictly required to the spec, but in practice may be required.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
P
pugxiwawa
9 months ago
Apple could learn a thing or two from Tesla how to implement phone as a key. The way it works on Tesla is close to perfection.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
patjem Avatar
patjem
9 months ago
Car Keys and Apple Pay on my Apple Watch are 2 of the best features of the ecosystem that I use everyday and almost always work without any issues.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheColtr Avatar
TheColtr
9 months ago
Until an aftermarket solution can be installed I don’t see it being a big hit. Imagine if to have a smart door lock it had to be installed when your house was built.

I kinda get the technical reasons, but I just don’t see it that difficult to wire up a little controller with a UWB pad that sticks to the inside of the door body by the handle and is wired to the door lock mechanism.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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