Hyundai will reportedly add support for Apple digital car key feature. This digital car key allows users to unlock and start compatible vehicles using the iPhone Wallet app.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a feature called “CarKey” will be coming to Hyundai’s Genesis lineup this summer.
Hyundai itself already offers proprietary iOS apps, including MyHyundai with Bluelink and Genesis Intelligent Assistant that includes the ability to remotely start, or unlock the doors of compatible vehicles.
But adding support for implementing Apple’s digital lock feature will make functionality smoother and benefit from Apple Wallet.
Apple first announced its digital car key feature back in 2020. But, so far it’s only been available on select BMW models.
The digital car keys that will come to Hyundai cars have been around since January 2021 when Business Korea reported on the plans, and references to Hyundai’s Genesis cars have also been found in the iOS 15 code.
The Bloomberg report did not specify whether Hyundai plans to use the new iPhone’s ultra wideband (UWB) technology, which will allow owners to unlock their cars without having to take their phones out of their pockets, or just use NFC.
Apple and Hyundai were previously said to be in talks to produce an electric car together. Hyundai later played down these rumors, saying it was no longer in talks with the iPhone manufacturer.
