Forget the Key Fob: Apple Car Key Could Soon Expand to More Vehicles

MacRumors has discovered references to Lincoln, Freelander and Lucid Motors in Apple Wallet's underlying code, suggesting that Apple may be preparing to expand support for its Car Key digital-key feature. Neither Apple nor the automakers involved have revealed which specific vehicles will get the feature or when it will become available.

MacRumors reported on September 15 that it had found references buried in Apple Wallet that point to a potential expansion of the automaker list supported by Car Key. Based on the strings discovered in the app's code, Lincoln, Freelander and Lucid vehicles could soon join the growing list of brands compatible with Apple's digital car key.

However, the discovery does not identify specific models or provide launch dates. Apple has not disclosed those details, and the automakers themselves have yet to announce when support will arrive.

The finding is also indirect. It is not an official Apple announcement, but rather a reference hidden in the app's code. Such references can appear ahead of an actual rollout as companies prepare software for support of new vehicle brands.

How Apple Car Key Works

Apple's Car Key feature is built into the Wallet app and allows an iPhone or Apple Watch to replace a traditional key fob in compatible vehicles. Depending on the automaker and vehicle, the feature can allow drivers to:

• Lock and unlock the vehicle's doors
• Start the vehicle without using a physical key
• Precondition the cabin so it can be warmed or cooled before the driver gets in
• Share a digital key with other people through Messages, when supported by the automaker

The technology uses wireless communication between the Apple device and the vehicle, allowing drivers to unlock the car without having to dig through a pocket or bag for a physical key.

Which Automakers Already Support Car Key?

Apple's list of automakers supporting Car Key is already substantial. Compatible vehicles are available from brands including Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Buick, BYD, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lynk & Co, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MG, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Zeekr and others.

Adding Lincoln and Lucid would further expand the technology's presence in the U.S. market. The Freelander reference is more complicated, however, since Freelander is a Land Rover nameplate rather than a standalone U.S. automaker. It is not yet clear whether the code reference points to a future Freelander vehicle or another implementation of the technology.

For now, the references found in Apple Wallet should be treated as signs that integration may be in development, rather than confirmation of an imminent launch. Apple and the automakers have not officially announced the expansion, leaving the timing—and the specific vehicles involved—unknown.