- Toyota’s Apple Car Key support debuts on the 2026 RAV4.
- Digital Key now lives directly inside Apple Wallet apps.
- Remote Connect subscription required after one-year trial.
It’s official. Apple’s digital car key ecosystem now includes the Toyota RAV4. It’s the first vehicle from the brand with the technology, and it didn’t even get a fancy press release to tout the benefits. Instead, a random RAV4 owner mentioned it online, and now Toyota is giving us the lowdown on how it works and which model it’ll come to next.
The feature allows owners to lock, unlock, and start their RAV4 using an iPhone or Apple Watch rather than a physical key. Apple introduced the Digital Car Key back in 2020, and while more than 30 manufacturers have adopted the tech, Toyota has been notably absent, until now.
A social media post first highlighted the functionality going live, and Toyota has since confirmed the rollout to Carscoops. Two models are launching with it for now, with more set to follow later this year.
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In a post to Reddit, a 2026 RAV4 owner casually mentioned it as one of the positives of their experience with the car. “I approach the car without keys and a phone in my pocket then it opens automatically when I put my hand on the door, then starts up inside with the phone still in my pocket,” they said.
How The Digital Key System Works
Toyota clarified to Carscoops that the introduction of the feature is tied to the latest generation Toyota Audio Multimedia system with enhanced Digital Key.
“Digital Key is now managed within a compatible smart device’s native digital wallet app (such as Apple, Google or Samsung wallet) and allows customers to lock, unlock, start, and operate supported Toyota or Lexus vehicles. Customers can also adjust Digital Key sharing permissions (with up to five additional drivers) directly through their digital wallet,” a spokesperson told us.
For now, the 2026 RAV4 is the only Toyota model launching with Apple Car Key compatibility. The spokesperson confirmed that additional models will follow. On the Lexus side, the new 2026 Lexus ES, due later this year, will be the first to receive the brand’s next-generation interface with the same enhanced Digital Key functionality.
According to the material Toyota shared with us, it appears several 2026 model year trims will offer the feature, depending on infotainment and/or tech package selection. These should include the 2026 Camry, Grand Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, Tacoma, Crown, and Crown Signia.
When Does The Subscription Start?
Importantly, there are a few caveats to consider. First, it only works with an active subscription to Toyota’s Remote Connect Service. New car customers get a free one-year trial but it costs $15 a month after that. Even those willing to pay up should consider the privacy concerns surrounding such data. Hardware is a factor as well.
In addition, Apple users need an iPhone 11 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer. Toyota notes that some Google and Samsung devices can use the feature too, though it did not specify which models.
