Five years after BMW became the first manufacturer to replace physical keys with iPhones, Apple Car Key transformed from exclusive feature to industry standard. Twenty automotive brands currently support the technology across hundreds of models. Thirteen more manufacturers recently committed to implementation. The holdouts grow fewer, but one glaring absence remains: Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, still requires a $15 monthly subscription for its proprietary digital key system.
Apple Car Key stores a digital car key in Apple Wallet, enabling lock, unlock, and engine start functions through NFC or Ultra Wideband wireless technology. No subscription. No separate app. No cellular data requirement. The feature works in power reserve mode when the iPhone battery drops below one percent.
Here’s every vehicle that supports Apple Car Key, how the technology functions, and which manufacturers join the ecosystem next.
How Apple Car Key Works
Apple Car Key operates through two distinct wireless technologies depending on vehicle hardware: Near Field Communication for tap-to-unlock functionality, and Ultra Wideband for passive entry that works without removing the iPhone from a pocket or bag.
The NFC implementation requires physical proximity. Tap the iPhone against the door handle to unlock. Tap again to lock. Place the device on the wireless charging pad or NFC reader in the dashboard to enable the start button. The vehicle authenticates through Apple’s Secure Element, the same hardware-based encryption protecting Apple Pay transactions.
Ultra Wideband eliminates the tap requirement. The iPhone 11 and newer models include a U1 chip that communicates with UWB transceivers embedded in the vehicle’s body. Walk toward the car, and a Bluetooth Low Energy session establishes authentication. The system derives a shared secret, then hands off to UWB radios for precise spatial positioning.
The vehicle tracks the iPhone’s location in three dimensions. Five feet away, the puddle lights illuminate. Three feet away, mirrors unfold and seats adjust. Touch the door handle, and it unlocks. Sit in the driver’s seat with the phone in your pocket, press the start button, and the engine fires. Exit the vehicle, walk more than ten feet away, and the doors lock automatically.
This passive entry system uses session-specific UWB ranging keys that change with each interaction, providing protection against relay attacks that plague traditional key fobs. A thief can’t amplify the signal from your iPhone inside your house to unlock a car in the driveway. The UWB ranging protocol verifies actual physical proximity, not just signal strength.
Key sharing happens through iMessage. Send a digital key to family or friends with configurable access levels. Full access provides complete functionality. Restricted access limits speed, audio volume, and driving area through geofencing. The vehicle owner can revoke access remotely at any time.
Apple Watch support mirrors iPhone functionality on compatible vehicles. Raise your wrist near the door handle to unlock. Keep the watch on your wrist while seated, and the start button activates.
Supported Vehicles: The Complete 2025 List
Twenty automotive brands offer Apple Car Key across model year 2021 through 2026 vehicles. Support varies by trim level, with higher-end variants receiving the technology first before trickling down to volume models.
Audi (2025+)
A5, A6, S6, Q5, SQ5, Q6, SQ6. Audi joined the ecosystem in 2025, implementing UWB passive entry across its refreshed lineup. The technology requires the Premium Plus or Prestige trim levels on most models.
BMW (2021+)
1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 8 Series, X1, X2, X3, X5, X6, X7, X5 M, X6 M, Z4 (2021+). i3, i4, iX, iX1, iX3 (2022+). i7 (2023+). i5 (2024+).
BMW launched Apple Car Key support in July 2020, becoming the first manufacturer to ship vehicles with the technology. The 2021 5 Series received it initially, followed by rollout across the entire lineup for vehicles manufactured after July 1, 2020. BMW supports both NFC and UWB implementations, with UWB available on models equipped with the Comfort Access keyless entry system.
BYD (2022+)
HAN. The Chinese automaker implemented Apple Car Key support in select markets for its flagship sedan.
Genesis (2023-2026)
G70 (2024+), G80 (2025+), G90 (2023+), GV60 (2023+, Performance trim only), GV70 (2024+), GV80 (2025+), GV80 Coupe (2025+).
Genesis adopted the technology in 2023, limiting initial availability to top trims. The GV60 electric crossover restricts support to the Performance variant with the $7,000 Advanced package. Standard and Advanced GV60 models lack compatibility despite identical smartphone integration hardware.
Hyundai (2023+)
Palisade (2023+), IONIQ 6 (2023+), Elantra (2024+), Kona EV (2024+), Santa Fe (2024+), Sonata (2024+), IONIQ 5 (2025+), Tucson (2025+), Santa Cruz (2025+), IONIQ 9 (2026+).
Hyundai’s implementation started with the 2023 Palisade three-row SUV and IONIQ 6 electric sedan, then expanded to the volume lineup. The 2025 IONIQ 5 refresh added support after three model years without it.
Kia (2023+)
Telluride (2023+), Niro (2023+), Seltos (2023+), EV6 (2024+), EV9 (2024+), Sorento (2024+), Carnival (2025+), K5 (2025+), EV3 (2024+).
Kia mirrors Hyundai’s rollout strategy, introducing Apple Car Key on higher-margin models first. The Telluride, Kia’s bestselling three-row SUV, received support in 2023. The EV6 electric crossover waited until the 2024 model year despite sharing a platform with the Genesis GV60 that launched with support in 2023.
Lotus (2024+)
Eletre (2024+), Emeya (2024+). The British manufacturer’s Chinese-built electric vehicles include Apple Car Key with UWB passive entry as standard equipment.
Lynk & Co
Select models in European and Chinese markets support Apple Car Key. U.S. availability remains unconfirmed as the Geely-owned brand has not entered the American market.
Mercedes-Benz (2024+)
E-Class (2024+), EQE (2025+), EQS (2025+).
Mercedes adopted Apple Car Key later than German rivals BMW and Audi, implementing support with the redesigned 2024 E-Class. The technology requires the Premium or Pinnacle trim packages that bundle Keyless-Go and smartphone integration upgrades.
MINI (2023-2024)
Cooper 3-door electric (November 2023+), Countryman (November 2023+), Cooper 3-door gas (March 2024+), Cooper 5-door (July 2024+), Aceman (May 2024+).
MINI, owned by BMW, adopted Apple Car Key across its refreshed lineup starting in late 2023. The electric Cooper launched with support, followed by gas variants and the new Aceman crossover.
NIO
ET7. The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer offers Apple Car Key in select markets.
Polestar
Polestar 3 (all variants), Polestar 4 (all variants).
Polestar, Volvo’s electric performance brand, includes Apple Car Key with UWB as standard equipment on the Polestar 3 SUV and Polestar 4 crossover coupe. The earlier Polestar 2 sedan lacks support.
RAM (2025+)
1500 (2025+).
RAM became the first American full-size pickup to support Apple Car Key with the refreshed 2025 RAM 1500. The technology requires the 12-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system available on Big Horn and higher trims.
Rivian
R1T (second-generation), R1S (second-generation).
Rivian confirmed Apple Car Key support for second-generation R1T and R1S models following the WWDC 2025 announcement. First-generation Rivian vehicles continue using the proprietary phone-as-a-key system through the Rivian app without Apple Wallet integration.
Volvo (2024+)
EX30 (2024+), EX90 (2024+).
Volvo implemented Apple Car Key on its new electric architecture starting with the 2024 EX30 compact SUV and EX90 three-row SUV. Legacy models including the XC40 Recharge, C40 Recharge, and XC60 lack support.
The Five-Year Timeline: From BMW to 20 Brands
June 2020: Apple announces Car Key at WWDC 2020 as part of iOS 13.6, with BMW as the launch partner.
July 2020: BMW begins shipping vehicles with Apple Car Key support. The 2021 5 Series arrives first, followed by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 Series, X5, X6, X7, X5 M, X6 M, and Z4 manufactured after July 1.
2021: BMW expands support to electric models including iX and i4. No additional manufacturers join.
2022: Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis announce plans to support Apple Car Key. Limited rollout begins.
2023: Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis implement support across select 2023 models. MINI launches refreshed lineup with Car Key. Polestar adds support to Polestar 3.
2024: Mercedes-Benz joins with 2024 E-Class. Volvo implements on EX30 and EX90. Lotus includes support on Eletre and Emeya. Polestar adds Polestar 4. RAM announces support for 2025 RAM 1500.
June 2025: Apple announces 13 additional manufacturers at WWDC 2025: Acura, Porsche, GMC, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Rivian, Smart, Lucid Motors, Tata Motors, Hongqi, WEY, Chery, Voyah.
Fall 2025: Audi implements support across refreshed 2025 lineup. Backend code reveals Toyota infrastructure preparation.
December 2025: Apple’s backend systems update to include Toyota as supported manufacturer, suggesting imminent rollout.
Coming in 2026: Thirteen New Manufacturers
Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote announced the largest single expansion of Car Key support, adding 13 automotive brands to the ecosystem. Implementation timing varies by manufacturer, with some confirming 2026 model year availability while others remain vague about rollout schedules.
Confirmed Details:
Acura: Honda’s luxury division will implement Apple Car Key across select models. Specific vehicles and timing unannounced.
Cadillac: Backend code analysis confirms infrastructure preparation. Likely candidates include the Lyriq electric SUV and redesigned Escalade.
Chevrolet: General Motors’ volume brand joins the ecosystem, potentially offering support across trucks and SUVs including Silverado, Tahoe, and Blazer EV.
Chery: The Chinese automaker’s support targets domestic and emerging markets.
GMC: GM’s truck-focused brand will likely mirror Chevrolet implementation across Sierra, Yukon, and Hummer EV.
Hongqi: The Chinese luxury brand owned by FAW Group joins the ecosystem for domestic market vehicles.
Lucid Motors: The electric luxury sedan manufacturer will add Apple Car Key to Lucid Air and the upcoming Gravity SUV. Timing unannounced but likely a 2026 model year update.
Porsche: The German sports car manufacturer’s announcement generated significant enthusiasm among enthusiasts. Implementation likely starts with Taycan electric sedan and Macan EV before expanding to 911, Cayenne, and Panamera.
Rivian: Confirmed for second-generation R1T and R1S. First deliveries of the updated models begin in 2026.
Smart: The Chinese-market electric city car brand will support Apple Car Key on upcoming models.
Tata Motors: India’s largest automaker joins, targeting domestic market vehicles including potential Jaguar Land Rover integration.
Voyah: The Chinese electric vehicle brand under Dongfeng Motor Corporation adds support.
WEY: Great Wall Motor’s premium brand implements Car Key for Chinese market vehicles.
The Toyota Question
In December 2025, code analysis revealed Apple updated backend systems to include Toyota as a supported manufacturer. The infrastructure exists. Official confirmation does not.
Toyota’s absence from Apple Car Key support stands out. The company sells more vehicles globally than any other manufacturer. It offers a proprietary digital key system on 2024 and newer models including 4Runner, Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Grand Highlander, Prius, Mirai, bZ4X, and Sienna.
That proprietary system requires a Remote Connect subscription costing $8 monthly for standalone service or $15 monthly bundled with navigation and other connected features. The free trial expires after one year. Some vehicles require a $275 hardware upgrade for digital key capability.
Toyota’s reluctance to adopt Apple Car Key likely stems from subscription revenue. Remote Connect generated an estimated $200 million annually based on subscription rates and active user counts reported in financial disclosures. Switching to Apple’s free integration eliminates that recurring revenue stream.
However, backend preparation suggests Toyota recognizes customer demand. Implementation could arrive with the next-generation software platform expected to debut on 2026 models, or Toyota may maintain its subscription model alongside optional Apple Wallet integration for customers who prefer the Apple ecosystem.
Apple Car Key vs. Toyota Digital Key
Toyota’s proprietary system and Apple Car Key solve the same problem but differ fundamentally in cost, functionality, and user experience.
Cost
Apple Car Key: Free. No subscription. No additional hardware purchase beyond owning an iPhone or Apple Watch. Works immediately on compatible vehicles without activation fees.
Toyota Digital Key: Requires Remote Connect subscription at $8 monthly standalone or $15 monthly bundled. After the one-year free trial expires, the digital key stops functioning unless you maintain an active subscription. Some vehicles charge a $275 one-time fee for digital key hardware capability.
Over five years of ownership, Toyota Digital Key costs $480 to $900 depending on subscription tier. Apple Car Key costs zero dollars.
Storage and Access
Apple Car Key: Stored in Apple Wallet alongside credit cards, transit cards, and identification. No separate app required. The key remains accessible even when cellular service is unavailable or the iPhone enters power reserve mode.
Toyota Digital Key: Operates through the Toyota mobile app. Requires the app to remain installed and updated. Cellular data connection necessary for initial setup and key management, though local Bluetooth handles unlock functions once configured.
Key Sharing
Apple Car Key: Send a key through iMessage. Configure access levels (full or restricted with speed limits and geofencing). Revoke access instantly from any device signed into the same Apple ID.
Toyota Digital Key: Share through the Toyota app. The recipient must download the Toyota app, create an account, and accept the invitation. The process requires multiple steps and app installations on both sender and receiver devices.
Technology
Apple Car Key: Dual-mode operation using NFC for tap-to-unlock or UWB for passive entry depending on vehicle hardware. Secure Element encryption. Works in power reserve mode. Express Mode allows unlock without Face ID or Touch ID authentication.
Toyota Digital Key: Bluetooth-based proximity detection. Requires 4G cellular network for certain functions. Does not support passive entry on most models; users must open the app or use phone-as-a-key proximity with manual confirmation.
Reliability
Apple Car Key: Instant response when tapping NFC reader or approaching with UWB. No lag. Connection established before reaching the door handle on UWB-equipped vehicles.
Toyota Digital Key: User reports on forums describe inconsistent Bluetooth connection, delays ranging from three to ten seconds before unlock confirmation, and occasional failures requiring app restart or physical key fob backup.
Offline Functionality
Apple Car Key: Works completely offline. No cellular or WiFi connection required. The iPhone and vehicle authenticate locally through NFC or UWB without contacting Apple servers.
Toyota Digital Key: Requires cellular data for account verification and initial key provisioning. Local Bluetooth handles day-to-day operation, but loss of cellular service can impact key management features.
Why Some Manufacturers Still Resist
Apple Car Key adoption grew from one manufacturer in 2020 to 20 by end of 2025, with 13 more committed for 2026. Yet major brands remain absent or uncommitted: Toyota, Honda (Acura announced but Honda brand unconfirmed), Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Volkswagen, Stellantis brands excluding RAM, and most Chinese domestic manufacturers.
The resistance stems from three factors: subscription revenue, data control, and development resources.
Subscription revenue represents the most significant barrier. Connected services generate recurring income. Toyota charges $8 to $15 monthly for digital key access. Ford’s FordPass, Chevrolet’s OnStar, and other manufacturer apps bundle digital keys with subscriptions costing $15 to $30 monthly. Adopting Apple Car Key eliminates that revenue stream or forces manufacturers to unbundle services, potentially reducing subscription appeal.
Data control matters to manufacturers building customer relationships. Proprietary apps collect usage data, location history, and behavioral patterns that inform product development and enable targeted marketing. Apple Car Key operates through Apple Wallet with end-to-end encryption. Manufacturers lose visibility into how customers use digital keys, when they drive, and who they share access with.
Development resources constrain smaller manufacturers. Implementing Apple Car Key requires compatible NFC and potentially UWB hardware, software integration with vehicle access control systems, and certification through Apple’s CarPlay and Car Key programs. The engineering investment makes sense for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and other premium brands selling vehicles at $50,000 to $150,000. It’s harder to justify on a $25,000 Subaru Crosstrek or $22,000 Nissan Sentra where the feature competes with dozens of other cost considerations.
What Owners Should Know
Apple Car Key capability isn’t universal even within supported manufacturers. Trim level, option packages, and production date determine compatibility.
Verify Before Purchase: Apple Car Key rarely appears as a standalone option. It bundles with premium packages including keyless entry, smartphone integration upgrades, and luxury equipment. The Genesis GV60 restricts support to the $7,000 Advanced package. Mercedes-Benz requires Premium or Pinnacle trims. BMW includes it with Comfort Access.
Check the window sticker or build sheet. Keyless entry or passive entry doesn’t guarantee Apple Car Key support. Some vehicles offer traditional keyless entry through radio frequency key fobs without smartphone integration.
UWB vs. NFC Matters: Vehicles supporting only NFC require tapping the iPhone against the door handle and dashboard reader. UWB-equipped vehicles enable passive entry, unlocking as you approach and locking when you walk away. The user experience differs dramatically.
BMW, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, and newer implementations generally support both NFC and UWB. Older implementations may offer only NFC. Manufacturer specifications often don’t distinguish between the two technologies, listing only “Apple Car Key compatible” without clarifying passive entry availability.
Apple Watch Functionality Varies: Most Apple Car Key-compatible vehicles support Apple Watch, but functionality may differ from iPhone. Some vehicles require raising your wrist near the door handle to unlock rather than providing true passive entry. Dashboard NFC readers may not recognize Apple Watch, requiring the iPhone to enable the start button.
Setup Requires Physical Key: Initial Apple Car Key configuration requires the vehicle’s physical key fob. You can’t set up a digital key using only another digital key. If you lose all physical keys, you can’t provision new digital keys until the dealer programs replacement fobs.
Backup Key Fob Recommended: Digital keys fail when iPhone batteries die, software glitches occur, or wireless systems malfunction. Keep a physical key fob accessible. Some owners store backup fobs in magnetic hide-a-key boxes under the vehicle or in wallets separate from their primary iPhone.
An Industry Standard
Five years into its existence, Apple Car Key transitioned from BMW exclusive to industry standard. Twenty manufacturers support it. Thirteen more join in 2026. The holdouts grow fewer as customer expectation shifts from “nice to have” to “why doesn’t my $60,000 vehicle work with my iPhone?”
The technology works. NFC provides reliable tap-to-unlock across all supported vehicles. UWB passive entry, where available, delivers the seamless experience that makes physical keys feel archaic. Security matches or exceeds traditional key fobs through hardware-based encryption and relay attack protection.
The cost advantage is absolute. Zero dollars versus subscription fees ranging from $8 to $30 monthly. Over a typical seven-year ownership period, that’s $672 to $2,520 saved by using the feature built into the iPhone you already own.
Manufacturer resistance stems from business model protection, not technical limitations. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and others can implement Apple Car Key. They choose subscription revenue and data control instead. That choice grows harder to defend as competitors offer the feature standard and customers prioritize smartphone integration in purchase decisions.
For buyers shopping compatible vehicles, Apple Car Key transforms the ownership experience enough to influence trim level selection. The premium package enabling the feature often costs $2,000 to $7,000. That’s expensive. It’s also a one-time cost versus years of subscriptions, and it typically bundles other equipment that adds value.
For owners of incompatible vehicles, the manufacturer’s proprietary digital key systems function adequately if you accept the subscription cost and occasional reliability issues. They’re not as refined as Apple’s implementation. They work well enough for daily use.
As 2026 approaches, the question shifts from “which cars support Apple Car Key?” to “which manufacturers still don’t, and why should I buy from them?” That’s the market pressure that will expand adoption faster than any technical specification or press release.
The future of car keys is already here. It’s stored in Apple Wallet, costs nothing, and works on increasingly fewer vehicles.
Apple Car Key Technology Reference
| Launch Date | June 2020 (iOS 13.6) |
| Compatible Devices | iPhone XR and newer, Apple Watch Series 5 and newer |
| Technology | NFC (all vehicles), UWB (select vehicles with passive entry) |
| Cost | Free (included with iOS) |
| Offline Functionality | Yes (works without cellular or WiFi) |
| Power Reserve Mode | Yes (works up to 5 hours after battery dies) |
| Key Sharing | Yes (through iMessage with configurable restrictions) |
| Security | Secure Element encryption, relay attack protection |
| Supported Manufacturers | 20 (as of December 2025), 33+ (by end of 2026) |
Article Last Updated: December 17, 2025.
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Michael Kahn is the publisher of The Weekly Driver, serving as writer, photographer, and content creator. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for adventure, he specializes in uncovering the stories and experiences of automobile enthusiasts. Michael’s work is inspired by his love for off-the-beaten-path road trips, global exploration, and the pursuit of exceptional culinary experiences, all captured through the lens of a world traveler and automotive enthusiast.