The latest iOS 27 beta contains code that strongly hints at upcoming Apple Wallet car key support for two new automakers: Xiaomi and Lucid Motors. This discovery, made by examining iOS 27 beta 3, suggests that Apple is actively expanding its digital car key platform to include more brands and vehicles. The feature, when implemented, will allow users to add their car keys directly to Apple Wallet on their iPhone and Apple Watch, enabling seamless control of their vehicles.

Apple first mentioned Lucid Motors as a future car key partner during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2025. However, until now, there had been no further announcements or evidence of progress. The appearance of code referencing Lucid in the iOS 27 beta could signal that the integration is nearing completion. Xiaomi, on the other hand, has not been previously linked to Apple's car key initiative. The company, known primarily for smartphones and consumer electronics, has recently entered the electric vehicle market with its SU7 sedan. This development could be a strategic move to integrate Apple's ecosystem with Xiaomi's automotive ambitions.

How Apple Wallet Car Key Works

Apple's car key feature, introduced with iOS 13.4, leverages Near Field Communication (NFC) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies to provide a secure and convenient way to interact with vehicles. Users can add their car key to the Wallet app, and then use their iPhone or Apple Watch to lock and unlock doors, start the engine, and even share access with other users. The system supports multiple modes of interaction:

• Passive Entry: The device automatically unlocks the car as the user approaches, without requiring any action.
• Proximity-Based Entry: The user must bring the device close to the car's door handle or NFC reader to unlock it.
• Remote Control: Through the Wallet app, users can remotely lock or unlock the car, flash the lights, or sound the horn.

Express Mode is a key feature that allows users to use their car key without first authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. This is particularly useful for quick access, as the device automatically authenticates via the secure element. Car keys can also be shared with family or friends through Messages, Mail, or AirDrop, with customizable permissions such as driving restrictions or time-limited access.

Current and Future Automaker Support

As of 2026, several automakers already support Apple Wallet car key, including BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and more recently, Volkswagen (VW) was added to Apple's backend. The addition of Xiaomi and Lucid would diversify the lineup significantly. Lucid Motors, an American luxury EV manufacturer, already offers advanced digital key technology in its Air sedan, so integration with Apple Wallet would be a natural progression. Xiaomi's entry into the automotive market with the SU7, a highly anticipated electric sedan, could benefit from Apple's ecosystem to attract tech-savvy consumers.

The code found in iOS 27 beta 3 does not specify which exact models from these automakers will support the feature. However, given Lucid's focus on the Air and upcoming Gravity SUV, it is likely that both vehicles will be compatible. For Xiaomi, the SU7 is the only model currently in production, but future models may also be included. The timeline for public availability remains uncertain, but the inclusion of the code in a beta version often indicates that the feature will debut with the final release of iOS 27, expected in September 2026.

Technical and Market Implications

Apple's expansion of the Car Key feature is part of a broader trend toward digital vehicle access, which is becoming a standard expectation in the automotive industry. By supporting more automakers, Apple strengthens its ecosystem and encourages deeper integration between its devices and vehicles. The move also puts pressure on competitors like Google and Samsung, who offer similar digital key solutions through Android and Samsung Wallet respectively.

From a technical standpoint, implementing car key requires automakers to embed NFC and UWB hardware in their vehicles, as well as develop secure server-side infrastructure. Both Xiaomi and Lucid have shown a commitment to advanced technology in their vehicles, so this requirement is likely already met. The use of UWB, which offers precise location awareness, enables hands-free passive entry and enhances security against relay attacks.

Background: The Evolution of Apple Car Key

Apple first introduced the concept of a digital car key at WWDC 2020, previewing the feature with BMW as the launch partner. The initial implementation used NFC, requiring users to tap their phone to the door handle to unlock and to a designated area to start the car. Over time, Apple added UWB support for newer iPhones (iPhone 11 and later), enabling passive entry and more accurate proximity detection. The technology has been continuously refined, and with each major iOS update, new capabilities are introduced. iOS 27 is expected to bring further enhancements, potentially including support for more vehicle functions such as adjusting climate control or opening the trunk.

The addition of Xiaomi and Lucid also highlights Apple's interest in the Chinese and luxury EV markets. Xiaomi, as a major Chinese electronics brand, could help Apple penetrate a market where WeChat Pay and AliPay dominate mobile payments, but Apple Wallet is less prevalent. Lucid, based in the United States, targets the high-end EV segment where brand loyalty and ecosystem integration are key selling points.

Security and privacy remain paramount for Apple's car key feature. All cryptographic keys are stored in the device's Secure Element, a dedicated chip that isolates sensitive data from the main operating system. When sharing keys, Apple employs end-to-end encryption and allows the primary key owner to revoke access at any time. Express Mode uses a separate, dedicated chip to ensure that even if the device battery dies, the car key can still work for up to five hours via power reserve.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the promise of digital car keys, adoption has been slower than some anticipated. Automakers often implement the feature differently, leading to inconsistent user experiences. Some cars require the phone to be placed on a wireless charging pad to start, while others allow keyless start via NFC or UWB. Apple's standardization through the Car Key API helps, but variances remain. Additionally, the need for both automaker and Apple to coordinate updates can delay feature rollouts.

For Xiaomi and Lucid, developing and certifying the integration will take time. Given that Lucid was announced over a year ago, it may be closer to release, while Xiaomi is likely in earlier stages. The fact that the code is present in iOS 27 beta 3 suggests that Apple is finalizing the software framework, and automakers can now begin testing. Users can expect announcements closer to the iOS 27 public release in September.

In the meantime, current car key users continue to enjoy the convenience of leaving physical keys behind. The ability to share keys digitally has proven particularly useful for families, valet services, and rental cars. As the feature expands to more automakers, it is poised to become a standard component of modern vehicle ownership.

Source: 9to5Mac News