Apple appears to be preparing to support Xiaomi Auto vehicles in its Car Keys digital key system, hinting at expanding collaborations in the electric car market ahead of a potential launch in iOS 27.
Apple appears to be preparing Car Keys support for Xiaomi Auto vehicles, after code changes in the Wallet app backend pointed to the brand, according to MacRumors. That would bring Xiaomi’s electric cars, including the SU7 saloon and YU7 SUV, into Apple’s digital key system. The timing suggests the feature may be close to release, following earlier code references in the third developer beta of iOS 27.
MacRumors reported in July that Apple had already left identifiers in iOS 27 code that linked Car Keys to both Lucid Motors and Xiaomi. At that stage, the Xiaomi connection was new, while Lucid had previously been named as a future partner. Neither company had then confirmed which models would be included or when support would arrive.
Car Keys lets an iPhone or Apple Watch with NFC unlock, lock and start a compatible vehicle through Wallet. The feature depends on automakers implementing support in their own systems, and the functions available can vary by brand. Apple first launched Car Keys in 2022, and the feature is already available on vehicles from manufacturers including BMW, Rivian, Kia and Hyundai.
For Xiaomi, the addition would be a notable Apple integration in the car market despite the companies being direct rivals in smartphones. Apple has also been expanding the list of brands that are expected to adopt Car Keys, with the company saying last year that more automakers would follow.
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