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

[MacRumors]

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.

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.

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.

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

 

[kiranmk2]

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!

 

[Finalcountdown]

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…

 

[jz0309]

I consider this a "nice to have", my 24 Ioniq 5 doesn't support it but I've carried keys/fobs for 50 or so years so I'm fine with it.

 

[TheColtr]

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.

 

[WilliamG]

I consider this a "nice to have", my 24 Ioniq 5 doesn't support it but I've carried keys/fobs for 50 or so years so I'm fine with it.

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.

 

[jaytv111]

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.

 

[patjem]

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.

 

[jz0309]

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.

 

[macfacts]

speaking of cars, what are the guesses as to why Apple doesn't make a car? Theres a vietnamese billionare that made an electric car (vinfast).

 

[farmboy]

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.

Huh. I had no idea it was such a big deal to have a key fob in your pants or jacket pocket. Silly me, I suppose it ruins the line of my clothing. And especially since most vehicles have keyless entry as at least optional, and most vehicles require a key fob to be in close proximity to the ignition switch if you don't want your car to stop unexpectedly a little ways down the road.

 

[d-klumpp]

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.

Really? Maybe my life isn't sufficiently car-centric, but I cannot imagine a lower priority for tech. My fob is much smaller than my phone and already accomplishes this task.

 

[svish]

Waiting to hear the improvements it will offer. Looks like it will be a long time before the majority of the car manufacturers support it.

 

[pugxiwawa]

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.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

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.

I routinely leave my phone at home or in the car, like when I go trail running. Put the fob in my pocket and phone in the door pocket, then lock and leave.

It doesn't have to be a fob, but I don't want it to be my phone..and I no longer wear an Apple Watch.

 

[WilliamG]

I routinely leave my phone at home or in the car, like when I go trail running. Put the fob in my pocket and phone in the door pocket, then lock and leave.

It doesn't have to be a fob, but I don't want it to be my phone..and I no longer wear an Apple Watch.

And you don't have to carry your phone, either, to get into a Tesla. Just a thin, key card. Tesla is the gold standard, - so many options of getting into your car, and none of them involve carrying a bulky car key fob. I think it's hilarious that this is the same Macrumors that loses its proverbial sh*t over the iPhone getting 10g heavier one year to the next, but carrying a key fob day in and day out? No issue.

 

[WilliamG]

Huh. I had no idea it was such a big deal to have a key fob in your pants or jacket pocket. Silly me, I suppose it ruins the line of my clothing. And especially since most vehicles have keyless entry as at least optional, and most vehicles require a key fob to be in close proximity to the ignition switch if you don't want your car to stop unexpectedly a little ways down the road.

I have no idea what point you're making. No car stops unexpectedly a little ways down the road if you don't have the key with you after you start moving.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I have no idea what point you're making. No car stops unexpectedly a little ways down the road if you don't have the key with you after you start moving.

I'm aware of the Tesla setup, my wife used to own a Model 3. I'd be fine with that, but is any other manufacturer doing that, along with this Apple setup? I have no idea, but we won't be owning a Tesla again.

 

[Nozuka]

I hope this will become standard soon. Rollout is very slow.

 

[CWallace]

My 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited supports Android digital car keys, alas it has never supported iOS Car Key and presume it never will. I can use the Hyundai NFC key card, as well.

 

[t0rqx]

Cancelled my Apple Car pre...never mind.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Imagine if to have a smart door lock it had to be installed when your house was built.

Not the same.

First, most people don't keep/use cars that are as old as their house.

Second, most homes appreciate in value, the opposite of virtually all cars.

 

[QandnotU]

I have this in my BMW currently. I haven't used my keys since getting the car. It’s an amazing feature until you valet and don't have a key card on you. First-world problems aside, does it require new hardware for the car to support it, or is this a software upgrade only?

 

[RogueWarrior65]

Whoopeee effing do. Yet ANOTHER subscription service. Nope.

 

[flexwithmarius]

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.

There’s a million aftermarket remote start systems, they just need to add the software to make it compatible with Carkey and a reader by the door.