Apple has been slowly (and we mean slowly) adding to the number of auto manufacturers supporting the digital car key feature in Apple Wallet on iPhone, but today we learned a major carmaker could be about to join the fray.
MacRumors found evidence of incoming support for Volkswagen vehicles within “new server-side” Apple code. Those are the only details available at present, so we don’t know when the feature will arrive and on what vehicles.
The feature not only enables drivers to lock, unlock and start their car but to do so automatically and passively as they approach the vehicle. You can also lock and unlock the car remotely, and even share your car key so other drivers can share your vehicle.
Back in April, Apple added support for Toyota and Rivian cards and the former came to light in this way – with a mention in Apple’s backend code. The first Toyota car to launch supporting Apple Wallet car keys was the 2026 RAV4.
Volkswagen is one of the biggest manufacturers in the world, so the addition on new vehicles will certainly help the feature become mainstream. And, this is the first we’ve ever heard of VW support for the feature.
Considering Apple announced car keys six years ago, it has been a slow roll out. Currently, Audi, BMW, BYD, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, NIO, Polestar, RAM, Rivian, Toyota, and Volvo are the manufacturers offering support.
Last June Apple announced 13 manufacturers had pledged support, including: Acura, Cadillac, Chery, Chevrolet, GMC, Hongqi, Lucid, Porsche, Smart, Tata, Voyah and WEY. It seems we can add VW to that list, at least unofficially.
Read the full article here
