Apple may be preparing to turn more iPhones into car keys.
Code found in the third developer beta of iOS 27 includes references that appear to correspond with Lucid Motors and Xiaomi, according to MacRumors. The discovery suggests vehicles from both companies could eventually support Apple Car Key, which lets drivers unlock and start compatible cars using an iPhone or Apple Watch.
Lucid had previously been named as a future Car Key partner. Xiaomi is the more surprising clue, but neither automaker has confirmed which vehicles might receive support or when it could arrive.
Lucid support was expected, Xiaomi is the surprise
Lucid Motors is not a surprise addition. Per MacRumorsApple previously listed Lucid as one of 13 automakers expected to gain Car Key support at WWDC 2025. Despite that announcement, Lucid has not confirmed when the feature will arrive on vehicles such as the Air or Gravity models.
Xiaomi’s appearance in the iOS code is more unexpected. The Chinese technology company has expanded into electric vehicles with models including the SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV, but this marks the first reported sign of a partnership between Xiaomi vehicles and Apple’s Car Key platform.
A growing push to make the iPhone a car key
The latest discovery follows other signs that Apple is expanding its automotive ambitions. Recent backend changes reportedly added Volkswagen to the list of companies supporting or preparing to support Apple Wallet car key.
Previous beta code discoveries have also provided early clues before official vehicle support arrived, including references connected to General Motors brands. Still, beta code does not guarantee an immediate release. Automakers must complete their own software integration, and support may vary by vehicle model, hardware configuration, and regional availability.
Must-read Apple coverage
What this means for drivers and automakers
A wider rollout of Apple Wallet car key could make vehicle ownership more convenient for iPhone users by reducing dependence on physical key fobs. Digital keys can also be shared with others via services such as Messages, Mail, and AirDrop.
For automakers, deeper integration with Apple’s ecosystem could become a competitive advantage as vehicles become increasingly connected. Luxury EV makers such as Lucid could use the feature to improve the ownership experience, while Xiaomi could appeal to iPhone users interested in its growing electric vehicle lineup.
The challenge is that digital key adoption depends on more than software. Vehicles need compatible hardware, and different manufacturers may support different features. A car might support basic unlocking while missing advanced options such as passive entry or remote controls.
What happens next
The appearance of references to Lucid and Xiaomi in iOS 27 beta suggests Apple is actively working to expand Car Key support, but an official launch date remains unknown.
The most likely next step will be announcements from Apple or the automakers confirming which vehicles are supported and when they will be available. Until then, the beta code offers a strong signal of where Apple’s digital key strategy is heading.
Also read: Apple just lost a major EU court battle that could force lasting changes to iOS and the App Store across Europe.