Mark Gurman of Bloomberg claims that Apple’s CarKey feature will be available with Hyundai and Genesis models. Currently, select BMW models to come with CarKey support: 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 8 Series, X5, X6, X7, X5 M, X6, Z4, and iX.
Launched in 2020, the CarKey feature allows users to add a digital car key in their iPhone Wallet app that allows users to remotely unlock, lock and start with their compatible vehicles with compatible iPhone and Apple Watch models. Users can also share their CarKey with friends and family.
Apple might release CarKey support for Hyundai and Genesis models by summer this year
In September 2021, iOS 15 code revealed that Apple Pay’s NFC feature references listed Genesis as a “partner” for supported car access terminals. As Genesis 2021 GV80 and G80 models offer support for digital keys for Android smartphones, it was assumed that those models will be compatible with Apple CarKey in the future.
Based on those findings and information from sources, Gurman has given a launch time of the feature in car models, beyond BMW’s.
Apple’s CarKey feature set for its first expansion beyond BMW. Remember CarKey, the Apple feature announced a year and a half ago that lets you unlock and start your car from your iPhone’s Wallet app? I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re unfamiliar with it, given that Apple hasn’t discussed the feature in a while and it only works on select BMW models.
I’m told that’s going to change soon. In line with code findings several months ago in iOS 15, I’m hearing that the next cars to get support for the feature will be models from Hyundai and its Genesis line. I’m told the functionality will roll out by the summer. The partnership is a bit of a twist considering Apple and Hyundai’s public tussle over the Apple car’s production about a year ago.
Hyundai Motor Company is the parent company of Genesis, its luxury automobile division. Earlier in 2020, it was reported that Apple was in negotiations with Hyundai to manufacture its first electric vehicle but the deal did not finalize. But that did not stop Apple from partnering with the South Korean manufacturer on other ventures.
Apple’s devices with Ultra-Wideband and Bluetooth LE connectivity support, iPhone XS or newer models, iPhone SE (2nd generation), and Apple Watch Series 5 or newer models are compatible with the CarKey feature. To learn how to add a digital car key to your iPhone Wallet app, click here.
