CarKey support may spread to Hyundai, Genesis by the summer

Drivers may be able to open more cars with an iPhone or Apple Watch in the coming months, with Hyundai and Genesis expected to support Apple's CarKey feature by the summer.

Originally introduced in June 2020, Apple's CarKey is a feature designed to unlock and start cars and other vehicles, using a digital key stored in the Wallet app of an iPhone or Apple Watch. While it has so far been officially supported only by BMW, it seems that support could expand in 2022.

It is said that CarKey will start to become available in certain models from Hyundai and its Genesis spinoff, according to sources of Mark Gurman's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg. Functionality for CarKey will apparentlly roll out for the unidentified models by the summer.

This isn't the first time the claim about CarKey expansion has been made. In September 2021, code found in an iOS 15 configuration file referenced Genesis as a "partner" for supported car access terminals, joining the existing BMW relationship.

Neither Hyundai nor Genesis have publicly confirmed CarKey support was on the way, however Genesis does use a digital key supporting Android devices for select models.

For iOS 15, CarKey was upgraded with support for Bluetooth Low Energy and Ultra Wideband, potentially allowing for its use without removing the iPhone from a bag or pocket beforehand.

Hyundai's potential support of CarKey could arrive a year after the disastrous talks between the manufacturer and Apple about the Apple Car. After Hyundai publicly confirmed talks were underway, Apple pulled away, though apparently the discussions weren't fully abandoned.

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13 Comments

GeorgeBMac

said about 2 years ago

That would be a great feature.

My Hyundai has a push button lock on the door handle (along with a push button start) so my key never leaves my pocket. But previously I worried about losing a key or locking it in the car -- especially when I go out to a trail to run.

And that would be another use for Apple CarKey: I see a lot of people at the trail who leave their keys under their car or in a wheel well. It would be great if it were possible to unlock and start your car with your AppleWatch -- which is all I carry when I run.

I'll (hopefully) have this Hyundai until electric cars are affordable and reliable. So it would be great if it were possible to retrofit Apple CarKey till then.

wood1208

said about 2 years ago

Eventually almost all car manufacturers adopted CarPlay; same will happen for CarKey. Those who adopt faster will have upper hand over other car manufacturers in attracting customers.

rgw1469

said about 2 years ago

Some manufacturers will adopt it slower than others. Hyundai is trying to come at Lexus with the Genesis line and Toyota has a tendency to be slow to adopt technology. Frankly, the Toyota customer seems to not value “all that BS that will break.” 😂 From bottom of their lineup to Lexus, they have several vehicles that are ancient - even beyond CarPlay and CarKey stuff - but they still sell well because that is part of the allure: reliable with a lot of existing knowledge on how to repair.

Genesis seems to want to go after the younger successful professional who does want “all that BS that will break” to link up with their personal communication device as conveniently as possible.

GeorgeBMac

said about 2 years ago

rgw1469 said:

Some manufacturers will adopt it slower than others. Hyundai is trying to come at Lexus with the Genesis line and Toyota has a tendency to be slow to adopt technology. Frankly, the Toyota customer seems to not value “all that BS that will break.” ߘ⠆rom bottom of their lineup to Lexus, they have several vehicles that are ancient - even beyond CarPlay and CarKey stuff - but they still sell well because that is part of the allure: reliable with a lot of existing knowledge on how to repair.
Genesis seems to want to go after the younger successful professional who does want “all that BS that will break” to link up with their personal communication device as conveniently as possible.

Yeh, Toyotas are known as being "bullet proof".   And for many, that's what they want. And, it makes sense: the main job, really the only job, of a car is to get you from point A to point B.   And Toyotas do that very well.

I transitioned from a Honda to a Hyundai. And, while the Hyundai is better designed, the Honda was far better built with better materials and easier to repair. I don't know for sure if the difference in repairability is due to different brands or if its because the Hyundai is more modern.   But, of the two, although I like the Huyundai and have no complaints about it, I prefer the older Honda.

On the other hand, the Toyota I had prior to the Honda ran almost a 1/4 million miles before my mechanic begged me to donate it to charity.   But actually, it was still running pretty well when I took his advice.

macxpress

said about 2 years ago

GeorgeBMac said:

That would be a great feature.

My Hyundai has a push button lock on the door handle (along with a push button start) so my key never leaves my pocket.   But previously I worried about losing a key or locking it in the car -- especially when I go out to a trail to run.

And that would be another use for Apple CarKey: I see a lot of people at the trail who leave their keys under their car or in a wheel well.   It would be great if it were possible to unlock and start your car with your AppleWatch -- which is all I carry when I run.

I'll (hopefully) have this Hyundai until electric cars are affordable and reliable.   So it would be great if it were possible to retrofit Apple CarKey till then.

Your car should not lock if the fob is inside the vehicle. If it does, then Hyundai has a serious problem. I've tested this with my car by rolling down the windows, putting the fob in the cup holder and then trying to lock the door with both the door switch and the other key fob. I guess the only way you could do it is if you manually lock your doors. I would just never do that, period.