Apple Car Key on an iPhone unlocking a car. [Apple]
Apple Car Key will soon expand to support cars from more manufacturers, with code references indicating three vehicle producers will join the roster.
The Car Key feature has allowed iPhone owners to open and start their cars using their mobile devices for a while. In a new code discovery, it seems that cars from three more companies will soon support Apple’s Car Key system.
Back-end code powering the Wallet app for the iPhone has been updated to include references to Volvo, Polestar, and Audi, reports MacRumors. The existence of the references doesn’t necessarily mean support is imminent, but it does confirm that it is being worked on by Apple.
Car Key allows drivers to lock and unlock their car, and to start it, using an iPhone or Apple Watch, thanks to NFC. With the keys stored in the user’s wallet, it’s possible to unlock vehicles by standing near them or remotely, or to use an NFC reader to start it up.
The feature is currently supported by select models from BMW, BYD, Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia. The addition of Volvo, Polestar, and Audi to the roster could mean a significant increase of iPhone users being able to use the function in the future.