New information has emerged indicating that Volkswagen is preparing to offer Apple Wallet digital car key support in some of the cars it will introduce in the future. New references detected in Apple’s server-side codes show that the company is working to make Volkswagen vehicles compatible with the Apple Wallet Car Key feature. Although current findings indicate that the feature is in the development process, there is no official statement yet about which models will receive this support or when it will be offered to users. Despite this, these signs seen at the code level suggest that Apple is preparing to expand its list of supported manufacturers.
The Apple Wallet Car Key feature allows users to control their vehicles via iPhone or Apple Watch without carrying a physical vehicle key. Once the digital key is added to the Wallet application in a compatible car, locking the doors, unlocking and starting the vehicle can be done directly from the mobile device. In supporting models, thanks to Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology, it is often sufficient to have the device in a pocket or bag, while NFC-based use is also possible in some vehicles. In addition, the ability to securely share the digital key with family members or other users is among the remarkable features offered by the system.
Apple Wallet Car Key support is expanding to more automakers
Apple has been gradually rolling out digital car key support to more automakers in recent years. Currently, certain models of Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, as well as some other brands offered for sale in different markets, support this feature. However, the scope of support may vary depending on the country, vehicle model and equipment level. Therefore, it is not guaranteed that every model offers the same functions or can be used in the same markets.
If Volkswagen joins this ecosystem, it may be possible to offer the digital key experience as standard or optional in some models that the brand will offer for sale in the future. However, the references in Apple’s codes alone do not confirm that the feature will be available soon. From time to time, companies can add preparations for future features to the software side in advance, and these features can be announced at later dates. For this reason, it does not seem possible to make a definitive assessment about the tools and timing that will be supported until the official announcement is made.
The latest findings show that Apple’s efforts to expand its digital car key platform to a wider network of manufacturers are continuing. Although there is no official confirmation from Volkswagen yet, the presence of new references to the brand in Apple’s server-side codes indicates that preparations in this direction are continuing. Statements to be made by Apple or Volkswagen in the future will clarify which vehicles and in which markets the feature will be available.