MacRumors‘ Joe Rossignol reports that Apple is preparing to add iPhone Car Key support in the Wallet app to three more automakers: Lincoln, Lucid Motors, and China’s Freelander.
The finding comes from backend code first spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, who posted that Apple’s systems now list the three brands for Car Key support. No launch window or specific models are included in the code.
Car Key lets owners lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch instead of a traditional fob. The latest version of the industry standard, Digital Key 3.0 from the Car Connectivity Consortium, uses Bluetooth LE, NFC, and Ultra Wideband for secure, proximity-based access. Express Mode can work without unlocking the iPhone.
The feature already works with vehicles from Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Cadillac, Lexus, MINI, Polestar, Porsche, RAM, Rivian, Toyota, and others. Availability and exact capabilities still vary by brand and model. Some manufacturers tie the digital key to a connected-services subscription.
Lucid had previously been named by Apple among brands expected to add Car Key support. Lincoln’s addition would bring Ford’s luxury division into the fold. Freelander, a Chinese brand, would further expand the feature in that market. Apple has not confirmed which vehicles will actually ship with the capability or when drivers will be able to add a key to Wallet.
MacDailyNews Take: Backend references of this kind have preceded other Car Key rollouts, but they are not a guarantee of immediate availability. Owners of current Lincoln, Lucid, or Freelander vehicles should not expect the feature until the automakers and Apple formally enable it on supported models.
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Freelander is a funny name for a car.
Sounds like Freeloader.
🤔