New Backend Code Reveals Car Key Support for GM Vehicles

Apple Accelerates Rollout of Digital car Keys to New Vehicle Brands

San Bruno, California – October 15, 2025 – Apple is poised to substantially broaden the availability of its digital car key technology, allowing drivers to unlock, start, and access their vehicles using their iPhones and Apple Watch. Recent discoveries suggest that several automakers are nearing the launch of this feature for their customers.

General Motors Joins Expanding List of Supported Manufacturers

Analysis of Apple’s internal systems revealed the addition of backend support for General Motors vehicles. This indicates that the technology giant is preparing to integrate the car key feature with select models from Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC. The move follows Apple’s announcement at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) where it confirmed commitments from 13 new automakers to adopt the technology.

This progress builds on earlier reports identifying backend code implementation for rivian, Smart, and Voyah vehicles, further signaling a rapid acceleration in the rollout of Apple’s digital car key system. Apple first introduced the car key feature in 2021, partnering with select automakers to provide a seamless and secure alternative to customary keys.

How the System Works and What’s Still Needed

The digital car key utilizes Near Field Dialog (NFC) technology, enabling compatible iPhones and Apple Watches to wirelessly communicate with a vehicle’s locking system. Users can securely store and manage their digital car keys within the Apple Wallet app.

While Apple’s backend preparations are crucial, final implementation requires collaboration from automakers to integrate the feature into their vehicle software and security systems. The timing of the public launch will depend on each manufacturer’s progress.

Currently, the brands committed to supporting Apple Wallet’s car key feature include Acura, Chery, Hongqi, Lucid, Porsche, Tata, and WEY, in addition to Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Rivian, Smart, and Voyah.According to industry analysts, the adoption rate of digital car keys is expected to grow exponentially as more vehicles become compatible.

Automaker	Brands Included
General Motors	Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC
Rivian	Rivian
Smart	Smart
voyah	Voyah

Did You Know? The use of digital car keys enhances security by eliminating the risk of key duplication and offering features like remote access revocation.

Pro Tip: Ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version to take full advantage of the digital car key feature when it becomes available for your vehicle.

Will this technology ultimately replace traditional car keys? What security concerns, if any, do you have about using your smartphone to access your vehicle?

the Evolution of Vehicle Access

Throughout automotive history, vehicle access has evolved from basic mechanical keys to transponder keys and remote keyless entry systems. Digital car keys represent the next step in this evolution, leveraging the power of smartphones and mobile technology to offer unparalleled convenience and security. The trend towards keyless access is expected to continue as vehicles become increasingly connected and autonomous.

Industry experts predict that the market for digital car keys will experience considerable growth in the coming years,driven by consumer demand for seamless and secure vehicle access solutions.This technology is also expected to play a key role in the development of new mobility services, such as car sharing and subscription models.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple’s Digital Car Key

• What is Apple’s digital car key? It’s a feature that allows you to use your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock, start, and access your car.
• Is the digital car key secure? Yes, it uses NFC and advanced encryption to ensure a secure connection between your device and your vehicle.
• Which car brands support Apple’s digital car key? Currently, a growing number of automakers, including General Motors, Rivian, and others, offer support.
• Can I share my digital car key? Yes, you can securely share access with family members or trusted individuals through the Apple Wallet app.
• What happens if my iPhone battery dies? most vehicles also support a traditional key or key card as a backup access method.

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What are the potential security implications of expanding digital key functionality to a wider range of GM vehicles?

Decoding the Digital Key: What’s New for GM Owners?

Recent discoveries within General Motors’ (GM) backend code have ignited excitement among tech enthusiasts and car owners alike. Developers have unearthed evidence strongly suggesting expanded digital key functionality across a wider range of GM vehicles. This isn’t just about remote starting anymore; it’s a meaningful step towards a truly keyless driving experience. The implications for vehicle security, smartphone integration, and connected car technology are ample.

What the Code Reveals: Supported Features

The code analysis, primarily conducted by members of the automotive hacking and reverse engineering community, points to several key enhancements:

* Expanded Vehicle Compatibility: Initial reports indicate support is being rolled out to models beyond the Cadillac and Buick vehicles that previously offered digital key functionality. Chevrolet and GMC vehicles are now appearing in the code, suggesting a broader rollout is imminent.

* Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology: The code references UWB, a short-range, high-bandwidth wireless communication protocol. This is crucial for precise location tracking, enabling features like hands-free key access and improved key fob replacement procedures. UWB offers significantly improved security compared to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) alone.

* Enhanced Smartphone Integration: Deeper integration with both Apple carplay and Android Auto is anticipated. This means seamless key management directly within your smartphone’s wallet app,perhaps eliminating the need for dedicated vehicle apps.

* Key Sharing Capabilities: The code suggests the ability to securely share digital keys with family members or trusted individuals,with customizable access permissions (e.g., limited speed, time restrictions). This is a major convenience feature for families and ride-sharing scenarios.

* Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: GM appears to be leveraging OTA updates to deploy and manage the digital key infrastructure, allowing for feature enhancements and security patches without requiring a trip to the dealership.

How Does a Digital Key System Work?

at its core, a digital key system replaces the conventional physical key with a digitally encrypted key stored on a smartphone or other authorized device. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Authentication: Your smartphone uses Bluetooth or UWB to communicate with the vehicle.
2. Secure pairing: A secure pairing process establishes a trusted connection between your device and the car.
3. Access Granted: Once authenticated, the vehicle unlocks doors, allows starting, and grants access based on pre-defined permissions.
4. Security protocols: Robust encryption and security protocols protect against unauthorized access and prevent key cloning.

Benefits of GM’s Digital Key Implementation

The move towards widespread digital key support offers numerous advantages for GM vehicle owners:

* Convenience: No more fumbling for keys! Unlock, start, and access your vehicle with your smartphone.

* Security: Digital keys are more secure than traditional keys, as thay are encrypted and can be remotely disabled if lost or stolen.

* Flexibility: Easily share access with family and friends, and revoke access remotely.

* Modernization: Keeps GM vehicles at the forefront of automotive technology and connected services.

* Reduced Key Replacement Costs: replacing a lost digital key is frequently enough cheaper and faster than replacing a physical key.

UWB vs. BLE: A Security Comparison

While both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-wideband (UWB) are used in digital key systems, UWB offers significant security advantages:

Feature	Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)	Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
Range	Longer (up to 100m)	Shorter (few meters)
Precision	Lower	Higher
Security	Vulnerable to relay attacks	Highly secure
Interference	More susceptible	Less susceptible

UWB’s shorter range and precise location tracking make it much more arduous for attackers to intercept and relay signals, mitigating the risk of key relay attacks – a common vulnerability with BLE-based systems.

Practical Tips for GM Digital Key Users

* Keep Your Smartphone Secure: Protect your smartphone with a strong passcode or biometric authentication.

* Update Your Vehicle software: Ensure your vehicle’s software is up-to-date to benefit from the latest security patches and feature enhancements.

* Manage key Sharing Carefully: Only share digital keys with trusted individuals and set appropriate access permissions.

* Familiarize Yourself with the App: Understand how to manage your digital keys within the GM vehicle app or your smartphone’s wallet app.

* Backup Key Options: Always have a backup key option available, such as a physical key or a spare digital key stored on another device.

Real-World Examples & early Adopters

While widespread rollout is still underway, early adopters of GM’s digital key technology have reported positive experiences. Owners of compatible Cadillacs and buicks have praised the convenience and security of the system, particularly the ability to unlock and start their vehicles without physically carrying a key.Several automotive tech blogs and YouTube channels have demonstrated the functionality, showcasing the seamless integration with Apple and Android devices.

Future Outlook: