Apple’s smart car keys now compatible with Hyundai cars

Apple’s digital car key technology has only been offered on a few BMW models since its introduction in 2020. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said in January that the function will be expanded to include certain Hyundai products, including Genesis, by summer. Those plans appear to be ahead of schedule presently. Apple has updated its CarPlay website to show that the 2022 Genesis GV60, 2022 G90, and 2022 Kia Niro now support the function, according to MacRumors.

Further Details

It’s unclear whether CarKey technology is currently standard on those cars, or whether Hyundai is just getting started with it. According to the data shared by a Kia spokesperson, more information regarding the Digital Key will be available in the coming months.

While automobile manufacturers have long given remote lock controls via cellphones, CarKey is unique in that it considers your iPhone and Apple Watch as if they were actual keys. To utilize the function, simply raise your phone or wearable up to the door handle on your car to open it. You may even start some automobiles by putting your device near the ignition switch. You don’t even need to take your phone out of your pocket to get into your car if you have a newer iPhone with Apple’s U1 chip.

In addition, BMW was previously the only automaker to offer Apple’s digital car keys, which allowed customers to lock or unlock their vehicles by holding their Apple Watch or iPhone near the door handles or when in proximity to the vehicle. The availability of either function is dependent on whether the automobile supports NFC or the iPhone’s ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which allows you to lock and unlock a car while keeping your phone in your pocket or purse. If the vehicle supports it, users may also use digital keys to lock, unlock, or start their automobiles remotely.

Apple’s digital auto keys are part of a larger effort by the corporation to reduce the number of objects you have in your pockets or purse. Apple said today that customers in Arizona may now use their Wallet to carry their driver’s license or state ID, and that the capability will be expanded to a number of additional states in the near future. Users staying in certain Hyatt hotels may also use a digitally saved key to open their rooms.