Apple is expanding its Car Key feature, a digital vehicle access system, to Volkswagen vehicles, marking a significant advancement in seamless and secure car entry technology. Until now, Volkswagen has not offered compatibility with Apple's contactless digital key solution, even as the feature has rolled out across several other major automakers.

Apple Car Key: Expanding Access Beyond BMW and Others

The Apple Car Key function, accessible via Apple Wallet on compatible iPhones and Apple Watches, enables users to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles without the need for a physical key. It also allows digital keys to be shared with other users securely. To date, this technology has only been supported by a select group of manufacturers in Germany, including certain Mercedes-Benz and Audi models, alongside Kia, Volvo, Hyundai, and notably BMW and its subsidiary Mini, which offer the broadest adoption across current production lines.

Volkswagen, despite being one of Germany's most prominent automotive brands, has so far not participated in Apple's Car Key ecosystem. However, recent developments indicate a change is on the horizon.

Evidence of Volkswagen Integration Emerges

Technical findings from Apple's backend infrastructure suggest that preparations are underway to support Car Key functionality for Volkswagen vehicles. Although the backend code does not specify exact models or deployment timelines, it confirms that Apple is actively working on server-side integration for Volkswagen.

Further substantiating this development, Volkswagen has referenced the feature in documentation related to its newest ID-Software 6. The company indicates that, with appropriate preparations and after a forthcoming software update, owners of compatible Volkswagen vehicles will be able to use the digital key via the Wallet app on supported smartphones. The rollout, however, will depend on the distribution of this software update, with exact dates yet to be confirmed.

Recent Growth in Supported Brands and Models

Apple has recently expanded Car Key compatibility to multiple new brands, including Acura, Cadillac, Chery, Chevrolet, GMC, Hongqi, Lucid, Porsche, Rivian, Smart, Tata, Voyah, and WEY, further increasing the number of manufacturers working with the technology. Nevertheless, not all announced integrations have been fully implemented. In total, 33 automakers are now listed as supporting Car Key, reflecting the growing momentum of digital key adoption across the automotive industry.

Technology and Security: NFC and UWB Approaches

The implementation of Apple Car Key can vary based on the underlying technology. The most widely used method is Near Field Communication (NFC), available on iPhones from the XS and SE 2 onwards. NFC enables close-range, secure communication between the device and the vehicle's entry system. Apple is also preparing for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) integration, which offers enhanced security through precise distance measurement, making unauthorized access more difficult.

This technological advancement is part of a broader industry effort to standardize digital access to vehicles. Apple is a member of the Car Connectivity Consortium, which aims to develop cross-manufacturer standards for digital keys--similar to the Matter protocol in the smart home sector--ensuring that a wide range of vehicles, smartphones, and smartwatches can seamlessly interact.

Volkswagen's Digital Key Roadmap

Volkswagen's upcoming support for Apple Car Key will initially depend on software updates to its ID series vehicles. Customers will need to ensure their vehicles are equipped with ID-Software 6 or later, and access to the feature may require additional configuration or optional hardware. The company's documentation emphasizes that, once enabled, users will be able to lock, unlock, and start their cars using their Apple devices, aligning Volkswagen with the growing digital key trend in the automotive sector.

As the rollout progresses, Volkswagen owners can expect further details and official timelines, while Apple continues to broaden the reach of its Car Key solution across the global automotive market.