iOS 27 Beta Hints at Apple Wallet Car Key for Two New Automakers
The latest beta of Apple's upcoming iOS 27 operating system contains code that strongly suggests the company is about to expand its Apple Wallet Car Key feature to two new automakers: Xiaomi and Lucid Motors. The discovery, made by an independent researcher examining iOS 27 beta 3 released earlier this week, indicates that Apple is actively preparing backend support for digital keys from these manufacturers. While neither company has officially announced specific models, the inclusion of their names in the code signals that a public rollout could come as early as September with the stable release of iOS 27.
The Code Discovery
Deep within the iOS 27 beta 3 codebase, references to both Xiaomi and Lucid Motors were found alongside existing car key configurations. This type of discovery is common during beta cycles when Apple adds placeholder support for upcoming features. The code does not list specific vehicle models, but it does include the necessary infrastructure for encrypted key exchange, passive entry protocols, and remote control commands. This mirrors the way Apple has previously added support for BMW, Ford, Genesis, and other automakers. The timing suggests that both Xiaomi and Lucid are in the final stages of integration with Apple's Wallet platform.
Background on Apple Car Key
Apple Car Key was first introduced in 2020 with iOS 13.6, initially supporting select BMW models. The feature allows users to store a digital version of their car key in the Apple Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch. Using Near Field Communication (NFC) initially, and later Ultra Wideband (UWB) for more precise location-based access, the digital key can lock, unlock, and start a vehicle. Over the years, Apple has expanded the feature to support more automakers and added capabilities like Express Mode (no authentication needed for NFC transactions), key sharing through Messages and AirDrop, and remote commands via the Wallet app. As of mid-2026, Apple Car Key is supported by over a dozen automakers globally, including BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and others.
Xiaomi's Entry into the Automotive World
Xiaomi, best known for its smartphones, smart home devices, and electronics, has aggressively entered the electric vehicle market. In 2024, the company launched its first EV, the Xiaomi SU7, a sleek sedan that competes with Tesla Model 3 and Nio ET5. The SU7 has been well-received in China, with strong sales and impressive technology integration. Xiaomi has announced plans to expand into other markets globally, though official timelines remain unclear. Adding Apple Car Key support would be a natural step for Xiaomi to appeal to tech-savvy consumers who own iPhones. The SU7 already features a large dashboard display and deep integration with Xiaomi's ecosystem, so adding Apple Wallet compatibility could further enhance the user experience. Given that Xiaomi is relatively new to automotive manufacturing, this partnership with Apple signals that they are serious about meeting industry standards for digital convenience.
Lucid Motors and Apple: A Long-Awaited Partnership
Lucid Motors, the American luxury EV maker known for its Air sedan and upcoming Gravity SUV, was originally highlighted by Apple during the WWDC 2025 keynote as a coming car key partner. At that time, Apple only mentioned the name without further details. Until now, there has been no public progress, leading some to wonder if the partnership had stalled. The appearance of Lucid in iOS 27 beta code suggests that integration is finally moving forward. Lucid vehicles already feature advanced digital key capabilities through the Lucid app, but Apple Wallet integration would offer tighter integration with iOS and Apple Watch, including Express Mode and sharing features. The Lucid Air, which competes with the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Tesla Model S, would benefit from this added convenience. It remains to be seen whether support will be for the Air only or also for the upcoming Gravity SUV.
How Car Key Technology Works in Detail
Apple Car Key relies on both NFC and UWB technologies. For passive entry, the iPhone or Apple Watch communicates with the car's NFC reader when tapped near the driver's door handle. With UWB, the car can detect the device's precise location, allowing the user to unlock the car as they approach without taking the device out of their pocket. Both methods use strong encryption and are stored in the Secure Element of the iPhone or Apple Watch, similar to credit cards and transit passes. Keys can be shared through Messages, Mail, or AirDrop, with the car owner able to set limits on driving speed or radio volume for shared keys. Express Mode enables users to pay for parking or charge sessions without unlocking the phone, as long as the car key is set as an Express Card.
Expansion of Automaker Support
Apple has steadily been adding new automakers to the Car Key roster. Earlier in 2026, backend updates added Volkswagen, a major global brand. The inclusion of Xiaomi and Lucid would bring the total to over 15 automakers. This expansion is crucial for Apple's strategy to make the Wallet a central hub for all personal credentials, from transit passes to hotel keys and now car keys. The automotive industry is moving toward digital-first ownership experiences, and Apple is positioning itself as the standard for secure, convenient access. However, adoption has been slower than some analysts predicted, partly due to the need for automakers to install compatible hardware (NFC readers and UWB modules) in new vehicles.
Industry Implications and Speculation
Apple's decision to partner with Xiaomi, a Chinese tech giant that is also an EV maker, is notable. It shows Apple's willingness to work with competitors in other markets (Xiaomi sells smartphones that compete with iPhone) and signals that digital key technology transcends brand rivalry. For Lucid, securing Apple Car Key support could be a differentiator in the premium EV segment, especially among iPhone users who value seamless integration. The lack of specific model details suggests that support may be limited to newer models or those with the necessary hardware. Xiaomi's SU7 likely already includes the required NFC modules, while Lucid's Air has been updated with UWB capability in recent versions. Additionally, as Apple prepares to launch iOS 27 in September, the timing aligns with the upcoming iPhone 16 series, which may introduce new UWB improvements for even more precise car key functionality.
What to Expect in iOS 27
With the beta referencing Xiaomi and Lucid, it is highly likely that the public release of iOS 27 will include full support. Apple typically finalizes car key integrations during the summer beta cycle, with a launch alongside the new hardware in September. Users can expect to see a setup flow in the Wallet app that allows them to add their vehicle by scanning a code or entering pairing information. The feature will then become available immediately. Apple may also release a software update to car manufacturers to enable the backend services. For existing Lucid owners, providing the Tesla-style proximity unlock via iPhone could be a software update, but it may require a trip to the dealer for some hardware upgrades. Similarly, Xiaomi may have already equipped the SU7 with the necessary compatibility.
The discovery of these automaker names in iOS 27 beta 3 is a strong indication that Apple is actively working with both companies to finalize the experience. As the beta progresses, more details about specific models and capabilities will likely emerge. For now, iPhone users who own or are considering Xiaomi or Lucid vehicles can look forward to a more integrated digital key experience later this year.
Source: 9to5Mac News