Brand new feature coming to iPhone owners who drive any one of these cars
As Apple continues to innovate every year, the upcoming release of iOS 26 and the iPhone 17 aren't the only things to look out for in 2025.
While we're still a way off from that rumored foldable iPhone, all signs point to an iPhone 17 Air releasing along its 'thiccer' brothers and sisters in September this year.
Away from the release of new hardware, Apple likes to keep us happy with numerous iOS updates and additional features. Although we hear all the usual complaints that iOS drains our battery more with each iteration, and some are unimpressed by simply having new emojis to play with, there are plenty of useful features hiding under the hood.
Supercar Blondie reports on a new feature for iPhone users as they motor around in their vehicles. We'd obviously like to reiterate that you shouldn't use your phone behind the wheel, but when not driving, Apple has made it easier than ever for those awkward moments when you can't find your car keys.
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Apple's digital car keys are nothing new, although initial support was only for BMW before being rolled out to the likes of Kia and Audi. Sadly, Audi's support only extended to the A6 Avant e-tron.
Unlock your BMW without cramping your style – with the BMW Digital Key on Apple Watch. ⌚ ✨
— BMW Bavaria Motors (@Bavaria_Motors_) May 29, 2025
The BMW Digital Key turns your smartwatch into a car key via the My BMW App.
The BMW X3 20d xDrive.#THEX3 #BMW #X3 @bmwindia pic.twitter.com/Tbu9ZkOKx8
Using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, Apple's Car Key means your iPhone becomes its key without having to hunt down the side of the sofa or rummage in a bowl by the front door. Better yet, you can also start your car remotely while you're sitting inside, making us really feel like we're in the future.
We previously reported a wider rollout of digital car keys as part of your Apple Wallet features, but now, it's coming to 13 more car brands.
As Supercar Blondie notes, the number of car brands compatible with Car Key is climbing to 33, with the 13 new additions including: Acura, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chery, GMC, Hongqi, Lucid Motors, Porsche, Rivian, Smart, Tata Motors, Voyah, and WEY.
Better yet, you don't even need your iPhone to make the most of Car Key, with the technology also being compatible with Apple Watches.
Car Key works in different ways depending on your car manufacturer, but it's either via passive entry that unlocks a vehicle as you approach, proximity that's activated by holding your device close to a key reader, or remotely, where you can lock and unlock from a distance.
Anyone who wants to make use of Car Key will need iPhone XS or later, iPhone SE (2nd generation) with the latest iOS, an Apple Watch Series 5 or later, or an Apple Watch SE that has the latest watchOS installed.
Even though Apple hasn't confirmed when the next iteration of Car Key will be racing into our lives, the fact that it was announced at WWDC alongside iOS 26 has us hopeful that it's just around the corner.