- Toyota is expected to adopt Apple Car Key integration soon.
- The feature allows unlocking with a phone or Apple Watch.
- Brands like BMW, Hyundai, and Mercedes already support it.
Toyota will soon become the latest car manufacturer to add support for Apple’s Car Key function, meaning owners can use the Apple Wallet on their phone to lock and unlock their vehicle. As cars become more tech focused, adding this feature will help make car ownership that little bit easier.
It’s been five years since the tech giant first launched car key support for the Apple Wallet, and a growing number of companies are adding support for it. Earlier this week, an analyst from MacRumors revealed that Apple’s backend systems had been updated to include Toyota among the companies set to support the feature.
Read: Apple Found A Way Into GM’s Dashboards Even Without CarPlay
Toyota has yet to comment on the report, and it’s still unclear which models will get the feature first. But if it follows the pattern set by other brands, the rollout should include passive entry, automatically unlocking the car when the paired Apple Wallet is nearby, and locking it again once the driver walks away.
Apple Car Key also includes a short-range proximity function, allowing doors to lock or unlock when the iPhone is held near the handle. Remote access is available too, so users can lock or unlock their vehicle through the app without being physically close to it.
Who’s Already Using It?
Among the brands already offering Car Key support include Audi, for popular models like the A6, Q6, and A5, BMW with most of its 2021/2022 and newer vehicles, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Ram, Polestar, Rivian, and Volvo. In other markets, Chinese models from BYD and Nio also work with Apple Car Key.
According to 9to5Mac, more automakers are on the way. Chevrolet, Acura, GMC, Porsche, Cadillac, Lucid, Tata, Smart, and a handful of Chinese brands, including Voyah, Hongqi, WEY, and Chery, have reportedly signed on and plan to offer support in the near future.
