magine walking up to your car, your iPhone snug in your pocket, and the doors unlocking without you lifting a finger. Then, you hop in, tap your phone or Apple Watch to the dashboard, and the engine purrs to life—all without ever digging for a key fob.
This isn’t science fiction; it’s Apple Car Key, a feature that’s slowly but surely changing how we interact with our vehicles. Introduced in 2020, this digital key system lets you lock, unlock, and start your car using your iPhone or Apple Watch.
But here’s the catch: not every car supports it. So, which ones do? Let’s dive into the world of Apple Car Key compatibility and explore what’s out there as of April 22, 2025.
What Is Apple Car Key, Anyway?
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Before we get into the nitty-gritty of compatible cars, let’s break down what Apple Car Key actually is. Think of it as a virtual car key stored in your Apple Wallet—the same place you keep your credit cards and boarding passes.
Using Near Field Communication (NFC) or Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, it talks to your car’s systems to authenticate you as the owner.
You can hold your device near the door handle to unlock it, place it on a reader to start the engine, or even let it work passively in the background so the car unlocks as you approach.
The beauty of it? It’s seamless. With Express Mode turned on, you don’t even need to wake your phone or authenticate with Face ID—it just works.
Plus, you can share a digital key with a friend via iMessage, complete with restrictions like limiting their top speed (handy for lending your car to a teenager).
It’s Apple’s attempt to make your iPhone the ultimate all-in-one gadget, replacing yet another thing you’d otherwise stuff in your pockets.
But here’s where it gets tricky: Apple Car Key isn’t universal. Your car needs specific hardware—think NFC readers or UWB sensors—and software support from the manufacturer.
That limits the pool of compatible vehicles significantly. So, let’s take a look at who’s on board.
The Pioneers: BMW Leads the Pack
When Apple debuted Car Key at WWDC 2020, BMW was the first name out of the gate. It’s no surprise—BMW has a history of cozying up to Apple, being among the first to adopt iPod integration and wireless CarPlay.
They kicked things off with the 2021 BMW 5 Series, and since then, they’ve rolled out support across a wide swath of their lineup.
As of now, BMW dominates the Apple Car Key landscape. If your BMW was built after July 2020, there’s a good chance it’s compatible. Here’s a rundown of the models that support it:
- 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, and 8 Series (2021 and newer)
- X5, X6, X7 crossovers (2021 and newer, including the high-performance X5 M and X6 M)
- Z4 sports car (2021 and newer)
- i4, iX, and i7 electric models (2022 and newer)
- 2025 models like the F70 1 Series, G45 X3, and XM (with the “Digital Key Plus” upgrade)
BMW’s “Digital Key Plus” takes it a step further, using UWB for precise, hands-free operation—think walking up to your car and it unlocking without you even touching your phone.
That requires a newer iPhone (11 or later) or Apple Watch (Series 6 or later) with the U1 chip, but older models still work via NFC. Notably absent? The 7 Series hasn’t joined the party yet, which is odd for a flagship luxury sedan.
BMW’s sister brand, MINI, also plays along. Every MINI built since 2020 with the Comfort Access package supports Apple Car Key. That means models like the Countryman, Cooper, and Electric can all be unlocked with your iPhone, often with UWB if you’ve got the latest hardware.
Expanding the Circle: Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis
BMW held the spotlight for a while, but in 2022, the Hyundai Motor Group—think Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis—jumped in. These brands brought Apple Car Key to a slightly more affordable crowd, though support is still limited to specific models.
- Genesis: The luxury arm of Hyundai supports Car Key on the 2022+ GV60 (an electric SUV) and the 2022+ G90 (a plush sedan). These were the first Genesis models to get the feature, and it’s been a slow rollout since.
- Kia: The 2023 Kia Niro was the pioneer here, offering Car Key on a budget-friendly hybrid. The 2023 Telluride, a mid-size SUV, also made the cut, proving you don’t need a luxury badge to enjoy this tech.
- Hyundai: The 2023 Palisade, a family-hauler SUV, is the standout, with Car Key support trickling into other newer models like the IONIQ 6 (an electric sedan) for those with NFC compatibility.
The catch with these brands? Availability varies. Some owners report needing a software update or specific trim levels to activate Car Key, and Hyundai’s been cagey about expanding beyond NFC to UWB. Still, it’s a step toward democratizing the feature.
New Kids on the Block: BYD and Volvo
Fast forward to 2025, and the list is growing. Chinese automaker BYD, a big player in the electric vehicle (EV) market, has joined the fray.
In Australia, for instance, the BYD Seal sedan and Sealion 6 SUV now support Apple Car Key via their app-to-Wallet integration. It’s a sign that EVs, with their tech-forward DNA, are a natural fit for this feature.
Volvo’s also stepping up. As of April 2025, the all-electric EX90 and EX30 models officially support Car Key. These sleek, Scandinavian EVs are built with connectivity in mind, and adding Apple Wallet compatibility feels like a no-brainer for a brand that’s all about modern luxury.
Who Else Is Playing?
The list doesn’t stop there, though it’s still slim compared to, say, CarPlay’s 800+ supported models. Here’s a quick hit of other brands dabbling in Apple Car Key:
- Audi: Select 2024+ models (like the e-tron GT) are rumored to support it, though Audi’s been quiet on specifics.
- Mercedes-Benz: Some 2023+ models with the right hardware—like the EQS—can use Car Key, but it’s not widespread yet.
- Lotus: The British sports car maker is reportedly working on it, per a 2023 tease, but no firm models are confirmed.
Tesla? Nope. Despite its phone-as-key system since 2017, Tesla hasn’t adopted Apple’s version. Same goes for big names like Toyota, Ford, and Honda—they’ve got their own apps but haven’t hopped on the Car Key train.
Why Isn’t Everyone On Board?
You might be wondering: if Apple Car Key is so slick, why isn’t it everywhere? The answer’s a mix of tech and politics. First, cars need the right hardware—NFC readers at minimum, UWB for the fancy stuff.
Retrofitting older models is a non-starter; it’s too expensive and complex. Second, carmakers are stubborn. They’ve spent years building their own infotainment and key systems, and handing control to Apple means losing a slice of that pie.
Some, like GM, are outright ditching CarPlay (and thus Car Key) to keep drivers in their ecosystem.
Adoption’s been slow—painfully so. Reddit threads from 2024 lament how Car Key “hasn’t caught on,” with users pointing to carmakers’ reluctance and the lack of aftermarket solutions.
Compare that to CarPlay, which took 4-5 years to hit mainstream but now feels ubiquitous. Car Key’s still in its awkward toddler phase.
What You Need to Use It
Even if your car’s compatible, your gear matters. You’ll need:
- An iPhone XS or later (or SE 2nd gen) with the latest iOS.
- An Apple Watch Series 5 or later (or SE) with the latest watchOS.
- For UWB features (like passive entry), an iPhone 11+ or Watch Series 6+.
Setup’s a breeze: link your car to the manufacturer’s app (e.g., BMW Connected), follow the prompts to add the key to your Wallet, and you’re golden. Your Watch often syncs automatically if paired.
The Future: More Cars, More Convenience?
So, where’s this headed? Apple’s clearly betting on Car Key as part of its broader push into transportation—think CarPlay’s next-gen overhaul or the long-rumored “Apple Car.”
The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), which includes heavyweights like Audi, GM, and Samsung, is standardizing digital keys, and Apple’s a key player. As more cars adopt CCC’s Digital Key 3.0 spec (like BMW’s iX did first), compatibility should grow.
Expert chatter backs this up. John Gruber, a veteran Apple pundit, has mused that Apple’s persistence with Car Key hints at bigger plans, even if rollout’s been sluggish. Meanwhile, EV makers like BYD and Volvo suggest electrification might speed things up—newer cars are more likely to pack the tech.
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Wrapping Up: Is Your Car on the List?
As of April 22, 2025, Apple Car Key is a luxury perk for a select few. BMW’s the king, with MINI tagging along, while Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, BYD, and Volvo chip in with a handful of models.
Audi and Mercedes are flirting with it, but the big mainstream brands are holding out—for now. If you drive a 2023 Kia Niro or a 2025 Volvo EX90, you’re in luck. A 2018 Toyota Camry? Not so much.
The feature’s a glimpse into a keyless future, but it’s not there yet. If your car’s not compatible, check your manufacturer’s app—many offer similar phone-based unlocking without Apple’s polish.
Otherwise, keep an eye out. As cars get smarter and Apple keeps pushing, that list of compatible rides is only going to grow. Who knows? Maybe your next car will let you ditch the fob for good.