Skip to content
logo The magazine for digital lifestyle and entertainment
Apple Auto CoBi iPhone News All topics
Digital Car Key

These Cars Can Soon Be Unlocked With an iPhone

A person holds an iPhone in front of the driver's door of a white car and taps on the screen. The smartphone is positioned right next to the door handle, with more vehicles blurred in the background.
Hints in Apple's code suggest that Volkswagen is preparing a wallet integration. Photo: Getty Images
Share article

July 3, 2026, 1:04 pm | Read time: 2 minutes

Volkswagen is reportedly working on integrating the digital car key into Apple’s Wallet app. This could make accessing compatible vehicles easier in the future. However, there has been no official announcement yet. It is also unclear which models will be supported and when the feature will be available.

Indications of Wallet Support

Volkswagen already offers a digital car key for some vehicles through its own app. For iPhone owners, usage could change in the future. According to a report by the online magazine “MacRumors,” indications in server-side Apple code suggest that Volkswagen is working on integration into the Wallet app.

For the ID.4, Volkswagen already points to appropriate preparation. Depending on the vehicle, this may need to be enabled through a software update. So far, the manufacturer has not officially introduced the Wallet connection. Therefore, it is also unclear which other models will receive the feature. It also remains open whether vehicles already delivered will be retroactively supported via software update and when the introduction will take place.

More on the topic

Operation Directly via iPhone and Apple Watch

With Wallet integration, a compatible vehicle could be locked, unlocked, and started directly via an iPhone or an Apple Watch. The digital car key would then no longer be stored exclusively in the manufacturer’s app but directly in Apple’s Wallet app.

Many users already manage bank cards, tickets, or boarding passes there. The technology itself would not be new, but access could become easier.

Also interesting: New Google Wallet feature makes flying more relaxing

Other Manufacturers Are Already Ahead

Volkswagen would not be the first manufacturer with such a feature. For selected vehicles from Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, the digital car key is already available on the iPhone.

For Volkswagen, however, the expansion would still be an important step. Due to the brand’s widespread presence, the digital car key could be used much more frequently in everyday life.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.

You have successfully withdrawn your consent to the processing of personal data through tracking and advertising when using this website. You can now consent to data processing again or object to legitimate interests.