Apple Wallet Car Keys May Add Lucid, Xiaomi, and GWM Tank

Apple may expand Car Keys in Apple Wallet to three additional vehicle brands. According to the supplied reports, selected Lucid and Xiaomi vehicles could eventually support unlocking and starting with an iPhone or Apple Watch. GWM Tank support was reportedly found in Apple Wallet backend code.

One report links the expansion to an upcoming iOS release identified as iOS 27. Apple has not confirmed the brand list, supported models, launch date, required devices, or regional availability. The feature remains a report rather than a confirmed product rollout.

What Are Car Keys in Apple Wallet?

Apple Wallet car keys are digital versions of compatible vehicle keys. Instead of relying only on a physical key fob, drivers can store a supported key in the Wallet app on an iPhone or compatible Apple Watch.

Depending on the automaker’s implementation, the feature may allow drivers to:

• Unlock and lock the vehicle.
• Start the vehicle.
• Share access with other people.
• Remove or manage shared access.

Apple provides the platform, but each automaker must integrate the required hardware, software, security systems, and activation process. The manufacturer’s app may still be required for setup, account management, or connected services.

Reported Vehicle Brands

Lucid

Lucid is reportedly among the brands being considered for Apple Wallet Car Key support. Its premium electric vehicles already rely heavily on software-based features, making smartphone access a potential fit.

Integration could let Lucid owners use an iPhone as a daily access device and an Apple Watch as an alternative when carrying a phone is inconvenient. Potential benefits include easier access, reduced reliance on a physical key fob, and possible digital key sharing.

The supplied reporting does not identify supported Lucid models, model years, required hardware, launch timing, or markets. Lucid support should therefore be described as reported, not confirmed.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi is also identified as a planned addition to Apple’s Car Keys lineup. The company’s expansion into electric vehicles creates a potential connection between its vehicles and Apple’s mobile ecosystem.

Apple Wallet support could allow iPhone users to access compatible Xiaomi vehicles without relying exclusively on a physical key or Xiaomi’s application. It could also strengthen Xiaomi’s appeal among customers who use iPhones and Apple Watches.

Unanswered questions include whether support will cover all Xiaomi vehicles, whether existing vehicles will receive it through software updates, which countries will be included, and whether specific hardware or connected services will be required.

GWM Tank

GWM Tank support was reportedly spotted in Apple Wallet backend code. This may indicate development or testing, but it is not an official product announcement.

Backend references can change during development or remain unused. They do not confirm which models will be supported, when the feature will launch, or whether Apple and GWM Tank have completed the integration.

GWM Tank is associated with rugged SUVs and off-road vehicles. A phone- or watch-based key could be useful for drivers involved in outdoor activities, but official confirmation is still required. Source 7

How Apple Wallet Car Keys Could Work

The setup process will vary by automaker, but it could involve these steps:

1. Update the iPhone or Apple Watch to a compatible software version.
2. Open the manufacturer’s app or follow an in-vehicle setup prompt.
3. Pair the device with the vehicle.
4. Add the digital key to Apple Wallet.
5. Test the unlocking and starting functions.

Setup may require a manufacturer account, vehicle ownership verification, connected-services activation, or dealer assistance. These requirements are not confirmed for Lucid, Xiaomi, or GWM Tank.

Compatible vehicles may use NFC, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband, or a combination of wireless technologies. The exact process will depend on the model and automaker. Some implementations may support an express-style experience that reduces the need to authenticate manually, but this is not guaranteed for the reported brands.

Certain Apple Wallet implementations may continue working for a limited period after an iPhone battery becomes critically low. Drivers should still carry a backup key until each automaker publishes emergency-access instructions.

Compatibility and Availability

Owning an iPhone does not automatically make a vehicle compatible with Apple Wallet car keys. Support may depend on:

• Vehicle model, model year, and trim.
• Required vehicle hardware.
• Vehicle software version.
• iPhone model and iOS version.
• Apple Watch generation and watchOS version.
• Country or region.
• Manufacturer account or connected-services plan.
• Optional equipment and dealer activation.

A brand-wide announcement would not necessarily mean that every vehicle from that brand supports the feature. Connected-car services may also launch in selected markets rather than worldwide.

Security and Privacy

An Apple Wallet car key is tied to the security of the user’s device and account. Drivers should use a strong passcode, Face ID or Touch ID where supported, two-factor authentication, and current software updates.

If an iPhone or Apple Watch is lost, the owner should use Apple’s device-management tools and contact the automaker if necessary. Digital access should be removed when a vehicle is sold, a borrower no longer needs access, or a shared user loses a device.

Connected-car services may involve account information, device identifiers, vehicle data, and location-related services. Apple Wallet does not eliminate data collection associated with vehicle connectivity. Drivers should review Apple’s privacy documentation and the automaker’s policy before activating the service.

What Has Not Been Confirmed?

The supplied sources do not confirm:

• Apple’s official announcement date.
• The final three-brand list.
• Supported Lucid, Xiaomi, or GWM Tank models.
• Required iPhone and Apple Watch models.
• The precise iOS release.
• Launch markets.
• Existing-vehicle support.
• Software-update availability.
• Whether GWM Tank support will become an official feature.
• Whether all three brands will offer the same Car Keys functions.
• Required accounts, subscriptions, or dealer activation.

Lucid and Xiaomi are named in reporting connected with an upcoming iOS release, while GWM Tank appears in a separate report based on backend-code evidence. Source 9

What Drivers Should Do

Drivers interested in the feature should:

• Monitor official announcements from Apple and the automaker.
• Check the vehicle owner portal and manufacturer app.
• Install updates only from official sources.
• Keep the physical key available.
• Confirm support in the relevant country.
• Check for connected-services fees.
• Verify emergency-access procedures.
• Test the digital key before relying on it daily.

Do not purchase a vehicle based solely on an unconfirmed Apple Wallet feature. Confirm model compatibility and launch availability first.

Conclusion

Apple may expand Car Keys in Apple Wallet to Lucid, Xiaomi, and GWM Tank vehicles. The potential benefits include iPhone and Apple Watch access, reduced reliance on physical keys, possible digital sharing, and deeper vehicle integration.

However, Apple has not confirmed the complete list, supported models, launch date, required devices, or regional availability in the supplied material. GWM Tank support is particularly uncertain because the report relies on backend-code evidence rather than an official announcement.

Drivers should wait for confirmation from Apple and each automaker before relying on an Apple Wallet car key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which three vehicle brands may be added to Apple Wallet Car Keys?

Lucid and Xiaomi are named in the supplied reporting. GWM Tank support was reportedly found in Apple Wallet backend code. Apple has not confirmed the complete list.

Can an iPhone unlock and start a Lucid or Xiaomi vehicle?

Potentially, if Apple and the automaker enable Car Keys for a specific vehicle. Models, software requirements, and launch regions remain unconfirmed.

Is GWM Tank officially adding Apple Wallet Car Keys?

Not according to the supplied information. Backend-code references do not confirm an official release.

Will Apple Wallet car keys work with an Apple Watch?

Apple’s Car Keys platform can support Apple Watch in compatible implementations. Apple and each automaker must confirm supported models and functions.

Will every Lucid, Xiaomi, or GWM Tank vehicle support the feature?

No. Support may depend on the model, model year, trim, market, hardware, and software version.

When will the new Apple Wallet car keys launch?

The supplied reports do not provide a confirmed launch date. One report connects the expansion with iOS 27, but Apple’s final release details remain unconfirmed.