iPhone's Car Key Feature Set to Improve as Apple Tests Digital Key 4.0

Utsanjan Maity
July 15, 2025
Apple's Digital Car Key Gets a Major Upgrade: What to Expect from Version 4.0

Apple's Digital Car Key Gets a Major Upgrade: What to Expect from Version 4.0

Since 2020, Apple has offered a convenient digital car key feature within its Wallet app. This allows iPhone and Apple Watch users to lock, unlock, and even start compatible vehicles, transforming your smartphone into a sophisticated car remote. This technology relies on the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC)'s Digital Key specification, a standard continually evolving to enhance functionality and security. A recent announcement reveals significant advancements on the horizon.

The CCC's Digital Key specification has undergone several iterations. Version 3.0, released in 2021, incorporated Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology alongside Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), providing improved accuracy and security for car access. Now, four years later, the CCC is preparing to launch Digital Key version 4.0, promising even more significant improvements.

Image of an iPhone being used as a car key for a Kia vehicle.

Details surrounding Digital Key 4.0 remain scarce, but the CCC has confirmed that it's currently undergoing real-world testing. Apple and other CCC members are participating in this crucial phase, putting the new specification through its paces at a dedicated event hosted by Apple in Cupertino, California. This intensive testing period indicates an imminent release of this enhanced technology.

What's New with Digital Key 4.0?

While specifics are limited, the CCC's press release highlights the key focus of Digital Key 4.0: enhanced cross-platform interoperability and cross-version compatibility. This suggests a significant effort to make digital car keys work seamlessly across various car brands and versions of the Digital Key specification, eliminating potential compatibility issues.

This improvement is crucial for wider adoption. Imagine a future where you can easily unlock your friend's car, even if it's a different make and model, as long as it supports Digital Key. The emphasis on cross-version compatibility also means older and newer digital car key implementations should work better together. This addresses a common problem with rapidly evolving technology - older devices becoming incompatible with newer systems.

The anticipated enhancements to the iPhone's car key feature should extend beyond just broader compatibility. While not explicitly stated, it's reasonable to expect improvements in areas such as:

  • Security: Enhanced encryption and authentication protocols could make the system even more resistant to hacking and unauthorized access.
  • Range and Reliability: Improved UWB technology or other enhancements could lead to a greater range of operation and more reliable unlocking in challenging environments.
  • Features: Version 4.0 might introduce new features such as remote engine start/stop, advanced remote locking/unlocking options, or even integration with other car features.
  • User Experience: Streamlined user interface and improved error handling could enhance the overall ease of use.
Image related to the iPhone Car Key announcement at WWDC 2025

Which Cars Support Apple's Digital Car Key?

Currently, a growing number of car manufacturers support Apple's digital car key feature. A recent list includes popular brands like Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, RAM, and Volvo, each offering compatibility with specific models. Check this list for the most up-to-date information on vehicle compatibility.

Excitingly, Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote showcased additional brands joining the initiative, broadening the reach of this innovative technology. These new partners include Acura, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Porsche, and Rivian, among others. Learn more about the future partners of the digital car key program. The expansion of participating car manufacturers signals a strong industry-wide acceptance of this convenient and secure alternative to traditional car keys.

The Future of Digital Car Keys

The development of Digital Key 4.0 represents a substantial step forward in the evolution of digital car key technology. While details about specific enhancements are still under wraps, the emphasis on interoperability and improved compatibility hints at a more user-friendly and widely accessible future. The collaboration between Apple and the CCC suggests a commitment to creating a universal standard for digital car keys, simplifying the experience for drivers and strengthening the security of their vehicles.

The ongoing real-world testing phase suggests a relatively quick release of Digital Key 4.0. This upgrade, alongside the expanding list of supported vehicle brands, promises to make Apple's digital car key a more prevalent and indispensable feature for iPhone and Apple Watch users. Expect more official announcements regarding the launch timeline and specific feature improvements in the near future.

Further Reading and Discussion

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This article, "iPhone's Car Key Feature Set to Improve as Apple Tests Digital Key 4.0" first appeared on MacRumors.com



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