Apple is preparing to expand its Car Keys support to GWM, adding the Chinese automaker to its growing list of compatible brands [1].
This expansion represents a strategic push by Apple to increase the utility of the Apple Wallet ecosystem within the global automotive market. By integrating with more manufacturers, the company reduces reliance on physical keys and deepens the integration between iOS devices and vehicle hardware.
Reports of the upcoming support surfaced following recent backend changes [1]. These technical updates specifically point to Car Keys support for GWM’s Tank vehicles [1, 2]. While a specific launch date has not been confirmed, the changes suggest the feature is in the final stages of preparation [1].
"Following recent backend changes pointing to Car Keys support for Tank vehicles," 9to5Mac said [1].
This move follows previous expansions of the service to other major automotive brands, including Toyota and Porsche [1]. The ability to store a digital vehicle key in the Apple Wallet allows users to lock, unlock, and start their cars using an iPhone or Apple Watch without needing a physical fob.
Industry analysts suggest that GWM may not be the only brand currently in the pipeline. The backend modifications indicate that Apple is targeting a broader rollout across several Chinese car brands to capture a larger share of the electric and smart-vehicle market [1, 2].
“Apple is preparing to expand its Car Keys support to GWM”
The integration of GWM into the Apple Car Keys ecosystem signals Apple's intent to solidify its presence in the Chinese automotive sector. As Chinese manufacturers expand their global footprint, Apple's ability to provide a seamless digital key experience across these brands makes the iPhone a more essential tool for vehicle ownership, potentially creating a stronger lock-in effect for users in the Asian market.
