In 2020, Apple launched Car Keys as part of CarPlay in iOS for use with a range of BMW models, allowing owners to use their iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock their car. But soon owners of certain Kia and Genesis car models will be able to do the same.
iPhone Car Keys coming to certain Kia and Genesis models
Reportedly, the models gaining access to iPhone Car Keys are the 2022 Kia Niro subcompact hybrid SUV and the 2022 Genesis GV60 electric SUV and G90 sedan.
Kia “will have more information about Digital Key availability in the coming weeks,” a company spokesperson told 9to5Mac. Genesis and Apple didn’t offer comment.
In January, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said Apple’s Car Keys feature appeared ready to expand beyond BMW. Here’s what he wrote:
Remember CarKey, the Apple feature announced a year and a half ago that lets you unlock and start your car from your iPhone’s Wallet app? I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re unfamiliar with it, given that Apple hasn’t discussed the feature in a while and it only works on select BMW models. I’m told that’s going to change soon. In line with code findings several months ago in iOS 15, I’m hearing that the next cars to get support for the feature will be models from Hyundai and its Genesis line. I’m told the functionality will roll out by the summer.
Earlier than predicted
Gurman refers to Hyundai and its Genesis luxury line of cars, but the Korean automaker also owns Kia, so it’s not surprising to see the functionality roll out in cars from Genesis and Kia (and perhaps Hyundai itself, though not yet). And it appears it’s happening earlier than predicted — spring rather than summer.
Currently, 9to5Mac mentioned, it’s unclear whether other vehicles from the carmakers will gain Car Keys functionality at some point. But it’s a good thing Car Key is moving beyond just one car maker, BMW, after two years in the marketplace.
To raise your Apple Watch to unlock the car (without even having to take the iPhone out of your pocket), you’ll need at least an iPhone 11 or Apple Watch Series 6 because they have the U1 chip. Alternatively, users can still use Car Key by NFC as long as their iPhone or Apple Watch are running iOS 13.6 or watchOS 6.2.8 and they have an NFC sensor.
Click here for Apple’s list of all cars with CarPlay and Car Keys functions.
