Apple's digital car key feature in the Wallet app appears set to expand to three more automakers, with references to Lincoln, Lucid Motors, and China's Freelander turning up in code discovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. The code did not indicate when support for the new brands will go live.

What the car key feature does

The Wallet car key lets iPhone and Apple Watch owners lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle directly from their device, removing the need for a traditional physical key fob. The feature relies on secure short-range wireless technology, and some implementations allow drivers to keep their phone in a pocket or bag while operating the car.

For everyday use, the appeal is convenience and integration. A digital key can be shared with family members or friends, stored alongside other passes in the Wallet app, and used across multiple Apple devices tied to the same account.

Which brands already support it

Wallet car keys are already available from a range of automakers, including Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, among others. Adding Lincoln, Lucid Motors, and Freelander would extend the feature to more premium and electric-focused vehicles, as well as broaden its footprint in the Chinese market through Freelander.

The presence of these brands in Apple's code typically signals that support is in the pipeline, but it is not a formal announcement. Automakers ultimately control when the feature ships in their vehicles, and rollouts often depend on specific model years and regional availability.

Why it matters

Each new automaker that adopts Wallet car keys strengthens Apple's push to position the iPhone as a central hub for identity and access, alongside payment cards, transit passes, and digital IDs. For drivers considering these brands, built-in support means one less accessory to carry and a more seamless experience across Apple's ecosystem.

Because the discovery is based on code references rather than an official statement, the timing remains uncertain. No launch date has been attached to Lincoln, Lucid Motors, or Freelander support, so customers hoping to use the feature will need to wait for confirmation from Apple or the automakers themselves.