MILLIONS of drivers can now unlock their cars with their cell phones – as a new feature is set to replace their keys.
Tech giants Apple recently announced that car keys will soon be supported by 13 new vehicle brands inside the Apple Wallet app.
Several major car brands are joining the Apple Car Keys lineup – including Porsche[/caption]
The company launched Car Keys in 2020 in a world first feature that grants access to your vehicle using your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Until now, it was only limited to a handful of high-end models from a small list of brands, including Volvo, Genesis, Rivian, Audi, and BMW.
Indeed, only Hyundai and Kia were the budget-friendly options in the original rollout.
But now, the likes of Acura, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Porsche, Rivian, Smart and Lucid Motors are joining the lineup – bringing the total number of global partner brands to 13.
Apple didn’t say exactly when the feature will be available in new cars, only saying the launch was coming ‘soon.’
But having made the announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in California during the iOS 26 presentation, they may all launch by the end of this year.
And according to 9to5Mac, after these 13 brands add car keys, a total of 33 brands will be offered by Apple Wallet.
Curiously, the way car keys feature works varies by manufacturer, with multiple features available case by case.
This includes passive entry, which allows a driver to approach their car with their device, which then unlocks it, starts the car when inside and locks when you walk away.
Proximity, which can lock, unlock and start the car by holding your device close to the door handle or key reader.
And remotely, which means you can use your device to remote lock and unlock your car, as well as use other features.
CARPLAY TIME
This comes as drivers are set to benefit from a cutting-edge Apple CarPlay upgrade which will improve the driving experience while making texting easier.
The smartphone giant’s state-of-the-art new operating system iOS 26 includes a new an improved version of CarPlay which is designed to be accessible and better looking than the last.
Its new smartphone-mirroring will make incoming calls less annoying to deal with.
Useful widgets will also be allowed to make accessibility to different apps better.
And messages will be altered so that they are less distracting for drivers.
CarPlay is a crucial feature for many drivers.
It allows users to contact work, friends or family while behind the wheel, and use smartphone features while driving.
This includes changing music and using maps for directions.
For those who have an iPhone, the Apple CarPlay feature has become an essential tool while on the road.
Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto
Both are phone mirroring apps for both operating systems that allow drivers to access contacts, make calls, and use navigation apps.
Many manufacturers allow access to both apps wirelessly, and all infotainment systems mirror your phone with a USB connection.
The idea behind phone mirroring apps designed for in-car use is to reduce distracted driving by making essential apps easier to access.
Key features of both apps are:
- Audiobook app access
- Podcast app access
- Navigational access (Google or Apple maps, which have your personal information already implemented, like your home address, work address, recent searches, and more).
- Phone apps, with contacts, favorites, recent calls, and more preprogrammed.
- Messaging apps that can read text messages aloud and transcribe a response through the vehicle’s microphone.
- Music apps like Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music (iTunes), or others with your personal information, playlists, recent searches, and preferences built in.
- Calendar events, your car can alert you to an upcoming event or conference.
- Access to Google Assistant or Siri with vocal cues.
