Apple's car key feature in Apple Wallet is poised to expand to two new automakers, according to code found in the latest iOS 27 beta. The code, spotted by developer Aaron Perris for MacRumors in iOS 27 beta 3, references support for Xiaomi and Lucid Motors. This development follows an earlier announcement at WWDC 2025 where Apple touted Lucid Motors as a future car key partner, but until now, no concrete progress had been reported. Xiaomi, on the other hand, has not been previously mentioned in connection with Apple's car key system.
The car key feature allows users to add their vehicle's digital key to Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch. Once added, the device can be used to lock, unlock, and start the car. The implementation varies by automaker, but Apple's platform supports multiple modes: passive entry (where the phone automatically unlocks the car as you approach), proximity-based entry (where the car unlocks when the phone is near), and remote control via the Wallet app. Additionally, the system supports Express Mode, enabling users to access their car without needing to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. Car keys can also be shared with other people through Messages, Mail, and AirDrop, making it convenient for families or car-sharing scenarios.
The inclusion of Xiaomi is particularly noteworthy given the Chinese tech giant's relatively recent entry into the automotive market. Xiaomi officially announced its electric vehicle (EV) division in 2021 and unveiled its first model, the Xiaomi SU7, in late 2023. The SU7, a sedan, has received significant attention for its competitive pricing and advanced features. By integrating Apple Wallet car key support, Xiaomi would be aligning itself with a premium ecosystem that includes BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz, all of which already offer the feature. This move could enhance the appeal of Xiaomi's vehicles to Apple users, a demographic known for its brand loyalty and willingness to pay for seamless integration.
Lucid Motors, an American EV manufacturer, has long been seen as a competitor to Tesla, offering luxury sedans like the Lucid Air. The company has struggled with production delays and financial challenges, but its inclusion in Apple's car key ecosystem could signal a strategic partnership that may boost consumer confidence. At WWDC 2025, Apple highlighted Lucid as a future partner, but no specific timeline was given. The new code in iOS 27 beta suggests that development is ongoing, and the feature might be ready for the public release of iOS 27, expected in September 2026.
This news follows a report from earlier this week indicating that Apple's backend was updated to add Volkswagen to the list of automakers that support car key. Volkswagen, one of the largest automakers globally, would bring the feature to a wide range of models, including popular EVs like the ID.4 and ID. Buzz. With Volkswagen, Lucid, and Xiaomi potentially joining the roster, Apple's car key feature could see a significant expansion in the coming months.
The underlying technology for Apple Wallet car key relies on near-field communication (NFC) and ultra-wideband (UWB) for precise location tracking. The system is designed to be secure, with keys stored in the device's Secure Element and requiring user authentication for first use. Apple has also emphasized privacy: the phone does not transmit location data to Apple or the automaker; the car merely detects the presence of the device.
As of now, it is unclear which specific models from Lucid and Xiaomi will support the feature, nor whether the implementation will include all the advanced capabilities (such as passive entry and key sharing) or be limited to basic NFC-based locking and unlocking. Given Lucid's focus on luxury, it is likely that the Lucid Air and upcoming Gravity SUV will support the full suite of features. For Xiaomi, the SU7 is the most probable candidate, but the company has also announced plans for an SUV and possibly a more affordable model, which could also be compatible.
The timing of the code's appearance in iOS 27 beta 3 suggests that Apple is actively testing the integration. Developers and beta testers may soon see references to specific car models or pairing instructions. However, Apple typically withholds such details until the official release, and sometimes even then, the feature launches at a later date via a server-side switch. For example, support for BMW was announced in 2020 but took several months to roll out widely.
The expansion of car key to more automakers is part of a broader trend in the automotive industry toward digital keys and smartphone-based access. Many automakers are developing their own apps for keyless entry, but Apple's Wallet integration offers a unified system that works across brands. This convenience is a major selling point for iPhone users, who can manage multiple digital keys (house, hotel, car, etc.) in one place.
In addition to the car key news, iOS 27 is expected to bring several other features, including enhancements to the Health app, new widgets for the Lock Screen, and improvements to the Photos app. The public beta is currently available to registered developers, with a public beta expected later this month. The final version will likely be released alongside new iPhone models in September.
For those interested in trying the car key feature, several compatible vehicles are already on the market. BMW offers it on many 2021 and later models, including the 3 Series, 5 Series, and X5. Hyundai and Kia support it on certain EVs like the Ioniq 5 and EV6. Ford has rolled it out on the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. Genesis supports it on the GV60 and G80 Electrified. With the addition of Volkswagen, Lucid, and Xiaomi, the list will grow substantially, making the feature accessible to a broader audience.
Apple has not yet officially commented on the leak, but the company often avoids confirming rumors until an update is imminent. Given that iOS 27 is still in beta, it is possible that support for Xiaomi and Lucid is still being finalized and may or may not make it into the initial release. However, the presence of the code suggests that Apple's engineering teams are actively working on the integration.
In summary, the discovery of code referencing Xiaomi and Lucid Motors in iOS 27 beta 3 provides strong evidence that Apple is expanding its car key ecosystem. The feature, which allows users to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles using their iPhone or Apple Watch, is already available on several automakers' vehicles. Xiaomi and Lucid are notable additions: Xiaomi as a major Chinese tech company making its automotive debut, and Lucid as a luxury EV startup seeking broader adoption. Combined with the recent addition of Volkswagen, the car key feature could see significant uptake in 2026 and beyond.
Source: 9to5Mac News