Apple Car Keys appears to be coming to supported vehicles from Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi Auto , according to code changes discovered by MacRumors in the Wallet app backend. This development is significant news for the tech community, as Xiaomi, best known for its smartphones, is now expanding aggressively into the electric vehicle space .
Code spotted in the third beta of iOS 27 for developers revealed that Apple is preparing Car Keys support for Xiaomi, so this latest change suggests that support is imminent. Integrating this technology into Xiaomi vehicles could provide users with a more seamless experience, enhancing convenience and safety when using their vehicles.
The Chinese electronics company has expanded into electric vehicles with models like the SU7 sedan and the YU7 SUV. Car Key support would be one of the company's first partnerships with Apple's ecosystem, despite Xiaomi being a major competitor to Apple in the smartphone market. This partnership can be seen as a strategic move on Xiaomi's part as it seeks to strengthen its presence in the electric vehicle market by offering a more integrated user experience that connects with Apple's popular devices.
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Apple Car Keys: How does it work?
Car Keys allows an NFC-enabled iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock a vehicle through the Wallet app. A digital version of a car key is stored in Wallet and can be unlocked simply by holding an Apple Watch or iPhone near a compatible NFC reader in the vehicle. This technology not only offers convenience, but also increased security, as it reduces the need for physical keys that can be lost or stolen.
What can be done with Car Keys can vary depending on the car manufacturer, but they can almost always be used to unlock your car, lock it, and start it.
Apple introduced Car Keys in 2022, and automakers including BMW, Rivian, Kia, and Hyundai have already implemented support. Apple maintains a full list of vehicles that support Car Keys on its CarPlay model availability page. The addition of Xiaomi to this list further solidifies Apple's position as a leader in vehicle connectivity technology while also giving consumers more choice.
See also: Tesla may be planning to support Apple Car Keys
Car Key support for Xiaomi Auto vehicles enhances connectivity and ease of use for Apple users who choose Xiaomi vehicles. This move can enhance Xiaomi's competitiveness in the electric vehicle market by offering a more comprehensive user experience that connects with popular Apple devices.
See also: Toyota will support Apple Car Keys
Furthermore, this collaboration may pave the way for further collaborations between the two companies in the future, enhancing technological innovation and interaction between different ecosystems.
