Apple expands game-changing iPhone car key feature to three popular brands as unlocking becomes just the beginning

Apple is making it easier for drivers to leave their traditional car keys at home, with a clever iPhone feature arriving in more vehicles.

The technology lets drivers use their iPhone or Apple Watch as a digital car key, bringing a little more convenience to everyday journeys.

Now, three familiar automotive brands are joining the rollout, giving more drivers the chance to unlock their vehicles without reaching for a key fob.

And with some seriously smart features in the pipeline, this could be just the beginning of how our phones interact with our cars.

Apple is bringing its digital car key to three major car brands

The days of frantically searching your pockets for your car keys could be numbered, as Apple expands its digital car key technology to more vehicles.

General Motors has started rolling out support for Apple Wallet car keys across select models from Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC.

The feature allows drivers with compatible vehicles to use an iPhone or Apple Watch instead of a traditional key.

Rather than digging through a bag or checking every pocket before heading out, drivers can use a device they probably already have with them.

According to GM, the rollout began with selected models, including the 2027 Cadillac Vistiq, 2026 and 2027 Cadillac Optiq, and 2025 to 2027 Cadillac Lyriq.

More vehicles are expected to join the list, with selected Cadillac Escalade models, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe models, and GMC Yukon models scheduled for support in December 2026.

Drivers will be notified through the “What’s New” section of their vehicle’s app when the feature becomes available for their car.

Your iPhone could do much more than unlock your car

While using a phone to replace a physical key is already pretty handy, Apple’s digital car key technology has a few more tricks up its sleeve.

On supported GM vehicles, the system can automatically unlock the car as the driver approaches and lock it again when they walk away.

That means drivers may not even need to take their iPhone out of their pocket to get inside.

The technology also gives users access to certain vehicle functions through Apple Wallet, including opening the trunk and controlling the climate system.

Imagine walking up to your car with your hands full, getting inside without fumbling for your keys, and having the cabin ready at the right temperature. It’s the kind of everyday convenience that could make a surprisingly big difference.

GM has also hinted that the technology could become more advanced over time.

By using ultra-wideband technology, the company is laying the groundwork for more personalized experiences, including the possibility of a vehicle automatically adjusting its settings as its driver approaches.

That could eventually mean a car getting ready for its owner before they’ve even settled into the driver’s seat.

The digital car key revolution is only getting started

Apple first introduced its digital car key concept at its Worldwide Developers Conference in 2020, with the technology initially launching on selected BMW models.

Since then, the feature has expanded to vehicles from several other manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis and Audi.

The latest expansion is another sign that automakers are looking for ways to make the smartphone a more useful part of the driving experience.

There is also a potential bonus for drivers who worry about their phone running out of battery.

Depending on the iPhone model, a digital car key can remain available for up to five hours after the device needs charging, thanks to Apple’s power reserve feature.

However, availability and functionality depend on the specific phone, watch and vehicle, so drivers will need to check compatibility before leaving their physical keys behind.

For now, the rollout is limited to selected vehicles, but the possibilities are exciting. If automakers continue building on this technology, our phones could eventually do far more than simply open the driver’s door.

And with automatic unlocking, climate controls and more personalized vehicle settings already on the table, the humble car key could be heading for a serious upgrade.