Apple’s digital car key feature is expanding its reach into luxury vehicles through a partnership with General Motors Co., which may soon support Apple’s Wallet app for keyless entry and ignition on select Cadillac models. This move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to embed its ecosystem into everyday mobility, potentially reshaping how drivers interact with their cars.
The integration comes amid a surge in digital key adoption across the auto industry, with Apple’s Car Key feature first introduced in 2020. Recent backend code discoveries suggest that Cadillac has been added to Apple’s internal list of supported manufacturers, signaling an imminent rollout.
General Motors is expanding its Digital Key functionality to include compatibility with Apple Wallet, encompassing iPhone and Apple Watch. This integration promises seamless access, allowing users to share keys digitally and even operate vehicles without a physical fob.
The partnership extends beyond Cadillac, as 13 more brands will soon offer digital car key support through Apple’s Car Key feature. This brings the total to over 30 supported automakers, fostering a competitive edge in the connected car space.
Industry insiders note that security remains paramount, with Apple’s system using ultra-wideband technology for precise location tracking, reducing risks of relay attacks. The integration could set new standards, especially as Undercodenews’ March 2025 update lists evolving support across models, emphasizing Apple’s role in standardizing digital access.
For Cadillac, this partnership enhances its tech-forward image and benefits its electric vehicles like the Lyriq, offering features such as remote locking and vehicle preconditioning directly from an iPhone. Analysts predict that by 2028, digital keys could become ubiquitous in premium segments, catalyzing widespread adoption with Apple’s ecosystem boasting billions of users.
However, navigating regulatory and privacy landscapes remains a challenge. Apple’s emphasis on end-to-end encryption for Car Key data aligns with regulatory scrutiny on data handling in connected vehicles. GM’s push toward AI integration must navigate similar hurdles to ensure user trust.
Ultimately, this development underscores a pivotal shift where smartphones become central to vehicle operation, potentially redefining ownership models in the auto industry.
Source: https://www.webpronews.com/unlocking-luxury-apples-digital-key-edges-into-cadillacs-future