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Code spotted in the third developer beta of iOS 27 suggests that Apple is preparing to add car key support for Lucid and Xiaomi vehicles, and that the feature could be nearing launch.

bmw-car-key-photo.jpg

The code references the identifiers "LCID" and "XIA1," which appear to correspond to Lucid and Xiaomi respectively. With an Apple car key, drivers can use their iPhone or Apple Watch to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle instead of relying on a traditional key fob.

Lucid Motors was already named as one of 13 brands Apple said would "soon" gain car key support at WWDC 2025, alongside Acura, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Porsche, Rivian, Smart, Tata Motors, Hongqi, WEY, Chery, and Voyah. Apple did not give a timeframe for that rollout at the time, and Lucid has yet to formally confirm when the feature will arrive on its Air or Gravity models.

Xiaomi's inclusion would be new. The Chinese electronics maker has expanded rapidly into electric vehicles with models like the SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV, and car key support would mark one of the company's first tie-ins with Apple's ecosystem despite Xiaomi being a major Apple rival in the smartphone market.

This is not the first time code has recently hinted at car key support ahead of an official announcement. MacRumors previously found code pointing to Volkswagen adding Apple Wallet car keys to future vehicles, and similar backend references preceded confirmed support for General Motors brands. As with those cases, the code does not confirm which specific models will be compatible or give an exact date, though its presence in a live beta suggests Lucid and Xiaomi support could arrive relatively soon.

Article Link: iOS 27 Code Points to Car Key Support for Lucid and Xiaomi
 
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  • Haha
Reactions: Z-4195
Curious as to why Tesla needs that when their iPhone or AW lock/unlocking is already so good. What would be the benefit. I can see the benefit with Lucid as there unlocking/locking with anything is really poor.
The only thing is that CarKey still operates when your phone is dead. Tesla Key does not. 🙁

I’ve had a great experience with the Tesla phone key feature, it’s just that I’d like to not worry about that if my phone died I wouldn’t have that phone key. I carry the key card for that reason.
 
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Reactions: GDF
The only thing is that CarKey still operates when your phone is dead. Tesla Key does not. 🙁

I’ve had a great experience with the Tesla phone key feature, it’s just that I’d like to not worry about that if my phone died I wouldn’t have that phone key. I carry the key card for that reason.
Is the tesla key card too heavy for you to carry in your wallet that it bothers you?
 
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