Apple Says These 13 Vehicle Brands Will Soon Offer iPhone Car Keys

[ikramerica]

My car has keyless opening where you just need to have the fob in your pocket... and I'm astounded by how enormous the fob is. Volumetrically it's a little over half the size of my phone (although twice as thick) despite having a fraction of the functionality.

That’s just your manufacturer being lazy or cheap. My VW key is as thin as an iPhone, about 1/4 the size of a standard 16, and has an emergency physical key in a slot as well as 4 large buttons.

 

[ikramerica]

Audi already has it and is mentioned in the article.

VW will get it eventually too. They do tech on the VW in a straightforward way and it will end up being standard in most trims like all VW tech features when more expensive brands require you to add it in a “package.”
Mercedes has these stupid packages even on higher end models, because someone who pays $85,000+ for a car should have to pay extra for safety and minor conveniences. Meanwhile VW includes most all of them on the SE level of the Jetta and Taos with many even on the S base trims.

 

[clive27]

I've had BMW 530e that had the Car Key. Compared to the Tesla, it was much worse user experience. If I want to skip carrying my gigantic car key, every time when I open the door or start the car, I have to bring up the Car Key and place it right at the handle or under the infotainment system. Well, the Car Key slot under the infotainment system isn't big enough to fit the iPhone 16 Pro Max, so I have to awkwardly put the phone in there so that the NFC is close enough to be recognized.
That versus Tesla that just recognize my bluetooth is near and unlock and start the car. Hey, I don't even need my phone because it also recognize my Apple Watch is near. There have been several instances where I could open/start my Tesla with my watch when I couldn't get my phone.
I can technically start the car with my Apple Watch using Car Key, but that means I have to take my watch off my wrist and place it above the NFC slot awkwardly. I ended up just using the normal gigantic key for BMW.