iOS 27 beta adds car key support for Xiaomi and Lucid Motors
iOS 27 beta adds Apple Wallet car key support for Xiaomi and Lucid Motors. This expands digital key access, eliminating fobs and simplifying car sharing and rentals.
Apple just added support for two new carmakers in the iOS 27 beta: Xiaomi and Lucid Motors. That means iPhone users may soon unlock and start cars fro
Read Full Story at 9to5Mac →Why This Matters
Apple’s expansion of Wallet car key support to Xiaomi and Lucid Motors signals a strategic pivot toward breaking down barriers between tech ecosystems and automotive brands. By normalizing digital key integration across competing manufacturers, Apple is positioning itself as the de facto standard for seamless mobility, potentially reshaping how consumers interact with vehicles beyond just ownership.
Background Context
The car key as a digital credential in Apple Wallet dates back to 2021 with BMW, but the ecosystem remained fragmented with limited OEM participation. Xiaomi’s inclusion—primarily known for consumer electronics—highlights Apple’s push to bridge gaps between hardware silos, while Lucid Motors’ luxury EV focus underscores how premium automakers are embracing software-defined access over traditional hardware dependencies.
What Happens Next
Expect rapid adoption from automakers seeking to differentiate in a crowded EV market, with Apple leveraging its platform to demand exclusive integrations. However, regulatory scrutiny may intensify as digital keys become a de facto standard, raising questions about data ownership and antitrust implications in the automotive-tech nexus.
Bigger Picture
This move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to embed its services into everyday infrastructure, from payments to transit, while automakers increasingly view software as a critical differentiator. The shift mirrors the smartphone’s disruption of traditional industries, suggesting a future where vehicles are just one node in a larger Apple-controlled mobility ecosystem.
