Full Breakdown
GM Expands Digital Car-Key Support to Apple, Google and Samsung Wallets
By Drooid · · How we work
Rollout Schedule and Supported Models
In a press release issued in late September, General Motors announced that digital-key functionality will be added to a range of Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles. The rollout begins in September–October 2026 with the 2027 Cadillac Vistiq, the 2026–2027 Cadillac Optiq, and the 2025–2027 Cadillac Lyriq. Additional models slated for December 2026 include the 2027 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade IQ/IQL, the 2026–2027 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, and the 2026–2027 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. GM said customers will receive a notification in the “What’s New” section of the vehicle’s mobile app when their model becomes eligible.
How the Digital Key Works
The digital key uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology together with Bluetooth to provide proximity-based authentication. When a compatible iPhone (iPhone 11 or later, except iPhone SE 2, iPhone SE 3 and iPhone 16e) or Apple Watch (Series 6 or later) is added to Apple Wallet, the vehicle will automatically unlock as the user approaches and lock when they walk away. The same functionality is available through Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet, with Samsung confirming availability in the United States and Canada. Users can also open the trunk and control climate settings directly from the wallet app. To set up a key, GM instructs owners to download the vehicle’s mobile app, sign in, and, while seated in an OnStar-connected vehicle with the physical key fob nearby, follow on-screen prompts to add the digital key to the chosen wallet.
Official Position from GM
GM described the expansion as a step toward “seamless, secure access” for drivers, emphasizing that the digital keys are built on UWB for enhanced security. The company highlighted that the feature will be integrated into existing OnStar-connected vehicles, allowing owners to transition without replacing hardware.
Potential Impact on Vehicle Access and Ecosystem
By supporting the three major mobile-wallet platforms, GM aims to broaden the appeal of digital keys across both iOS and Android users. The automatic lock/unlock and remote-control capabilities could reduce reliance on traditional key fobs, potentially lowering replacement costs and streamlining vehicle-sharing scenarios. The rollout also positions GM alongside other automakers that have adopted similar technology, signaling a broader industry shift toward mobile-based vehicle access.
