iPhone's Car Key Feature Now Supports Select 2022 Genesis and Kia Vehicles [Updated]

In 2020, Apple introduced a digital car key feature that allows users to unlock and start a compatible vehicle by bringing an iPhone or Apple Watch near the driver-side door. The feature has been limited to select BMW models since launching.

bmw car key photo
According to Apple, the feature has now expanded to select 2022 vehicle models from Genesis and Kia, which are both divisions of Korean automaker Hyundai. Apple updated a list of vehicles on its website this week to indicate that the 2022 Genesis GV60, 2022 Genesis G90, and 2022 Kia Niro now support the iPhone's car key feature.

It is unclear if the car key feature is widely available for the aforementioned Genesis and Kia models or if it is still in the process of rolling out. A spokesperson for Kia declined to specifically comment on support for Apple's car key feature, but did say that the company's Digital Key 2 system announced in January will be coming to the 2023 Niro. Genesis and Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Apple began preparing for Genesis to support the feature last year.

Similar to credit cards and boarding passes, digital car keys are stored in the Wallet app on an iPhone or Apple Watch running iOS 13.6 or watchOS 6.2.8 or newer. The feature originally used NFC technology only, which required the iPhone or Apple Watch to be held near the vehicle, but a new version of the feature based on Ultra Wideband technology allows users to use the feature without having to remove their ‌iPhone‌ from their pocket.

The improved Ultra Wideband version of Apple's car key feature requires devices with the U1 chip like the iPhone 11 and Apple Watch Series 6 and newer. NFC support is maintained to ensure backward compatibility and the ability to use the car key feature to unlock a vehicle for up to five hours after an iPhone has run out of battery power.

This feature is part of Apple's efforts to offer digital versions of commonly carried items. Apple today announced that its driver's license and state ID feature in the Wallet app has launched in Arizona, with more U.S. states to follow soon.

Update March 25: This article has been updated to clarify that Kia declined to comment on Apple car key support specifically, but said that its previously announced Digital Key 2 system will be coming to the 2023 Kia Niro.

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Top Rated Comments

Benjamin Nabulsi Avatar
45 months ago
Tesla needs to support it ASAP..
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dwaltwhit Avatar
45 months ago

This is more cumbersome then just using my keyless fob.
Its more cumbersome to carry less? I'm confused.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DocMultimedia Avatar
45 months ago

Tesla needs to support it ASAP..
I walk to my Tesla and it unlocks. I walk away it locks. It's already "running" when I get in. I don't see that Apple has to do anything with that. CarPlay is another story. I really want that. NOW.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macpro2000 Avatar
45 months ago
I think it's really pretty dumb...the fob has many more features and you don't have to get it out of your pocket.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Zaft Avatar
45 months ago
This is more cumbersome then just using my keyless fob.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
45 months ago

I think it's really pretty dumb...the fob has many more features and you don't have to get it out of your pocket.
Didn't read the 4th paragraph, did you?

Similar to credit cards and boarding passes, digital car keys are stored in the Wallet app on an iPhone or Apple Watch running iOS 13.6 or watchOS 6.2.8 or newer. The feature originally used NFC technology only, which required the iPhone or Apple Watch to be held near the vehicle, but a new version of the feature based on Ultra Wideband technology allows users to use the feature without having to remove their ‌iPhone‌ from their pocket.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)