Toyota rolls out digital car keys on Apple iPhone
Toyota rolls out digital car keys on Apple iPhone
https://macdailynews.com/2026/02/18/toyota-rolls-out-digital-car-keys-on-apple-iphone/
Publish Date: 2026-02-18 13:00:00
Source Domain: macdailynews.com
Apple’s Car Key feature with a BMW (Image: BMW)
Toyota is rolling out support for Apple Wallet car keys, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch users to lock, unlock, and start select vehicles without a traditional key fob. The feature, first introduced by Apple in 2020, is now available on certain trims of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 in the United States, marking Toyota’s entry into Apple’s digital car key ecosystem.
The rollout was initially spotted by owners on social media platforms like Reddit, where a 2026 RAV4 owner confirmed the functionality in the Apple Wallet app. Reports from tech outlets such as MacRumors, 9to5Mac, and AppleInsider have verified the development, noting that Toyota’s implementation leverages Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology. This enables passive entry: users can approach the vehicle with their iPhone in their pocket or Apple Watch on their wrist, open the door, and start the engine seamlessly.
Apple’s Car Key feature, accessible via the Wallet app on compatible devices, supports secure sharing of keys with family or friends and includes conveniences like remote locking/unlocking in some cases. For Toyota vehicles, the system also benefits from Power Reserve, allowing access even if the iPhone battery dies (via a low-power NFC mode).
To use the feature, owners need:
• An iPhone 11 or newer (excluding iPhone SE models for full UWB passive entry) or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later.
• The latest iOS or watchOS versions.
• A Toyota Remote Connect subscription, priced at $15 per month after an included one-year free trial with new vehicle purchases.
Currently, support appears limited to select trims of the 2026 Toyota RAV4, with no confirmation yet on expansion to other 2026 Toyota models like the Camry, Corolla, or Highlander. Toyota’s official website lists the capability in the RAV4 specifications, suggesting broader availability may follow.
This move aligns with Apple’s ongoing efforts to expand Car Key compatibility,…
