If you have an iPhone, you may know the CarKey functiona way to open your car without the need for keys, only through the device's NFC, as if you were going to pay with your card: you bring it closer, and that's it, you now have a simple way to access it if you have forgotten the keys.
Now, there is a problem, and that is that few car brands have it implemented, even though it is something very interesting that we would like to see in all cars. However, one more has been added to the list, so the rest could arrive soon.
New support for Apple Car Keys
The Chinese brand Jetourbelonging to the Chery group, will soon allow its drivers to use Apple Car Keys to open and start the car from an iPhone or Apple Watch. The information came to light thanks to internal Apple records, confirming that the company continues to expand its network of compatible manufacturers.
With Apple Car Keysno need for a traditional key. The system uses the app Wallet to store a digital key, and simply hold your phone or watch close to the car to unlock it. If the user activates the mode Expressyou don't even need to use Face ID or a code – access is instant. In addition, you can share digital keys with family or friends from Messages, something especially useful for carpooling, or simply if you need someone to take something from your car, and you are not close to them to give them the keys.
Apple launched this feature in 2022, and so far it has reached brands like bmw, kia, Audi, hyundai and rivian. During the WWDC 2025 conference, the company announced that 13 new manufacturers will join soon, including Chery, which includes Jetour within the expansion, confirming the theory.
At the moment, the official list of compatible vehicles has not been completely updated, but the inclusion of Jetour makes us think that it is possible that, soon, we will be able to have more brands, becoming something popular and in everyday use, forcing the rest to associate, at least if they do not want to be left behind.
For drivers, this means more convenience: no more searching for keys, one-touch start, and shared access in seconds. Although it may seem like a small detail, it is one of those functions that ends up making life easier. And if everything goes according to plan, The next Jetour models will have this option integrated from the factoryalthough to do this we must also have an Apple device, something that not everyone has.
And you, do you think it is useful, or can it increase the security risk? The truth is that it could even reduce it, since, to access the vehicle, we could configure Face ID, unlike if physical keys were stolen, with which they could enter it, so it would be something that could even prevent theft.
