Toyota Launches Apple Car Key Support in Apple Wallet for 2026 RAV4

Toyota has officially launched Apple Car Key support in Apple Wallet, marking a major expansion of the feature to one of the world's largest automakers. The rollout appears to have begun with the 2026 RAV4, as confirmed by a Reddit user who shared their experience with the new functionality.

This development follows Apple's announcement at last year's WWDC, where the company revealed 13 new automakers that had pledged to add car key support to Apple Wallet. While Toyota wasn't on that initial list, the company has now quietly launched the feature, demonstrating Apple's continued push to make digital car keys a mainstream reality.

The adoption of Apple Car Key by Toyota is particularly significant given the automaker's massive global presence and the popularity of models like the RAV4. With millions of Toyota vehicles on the road worldwide, this partnership could accelerate the adoption of digital car keys across the automotive industry.

How Apple Car Key Works

Apple Car Key allows iPhone and Apple Watch users to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles using their devices. The feature uses Ultra Wideband technology for precise location tracking and secure authentication, enabling features like passive entry where the car automatically unlocks as you approach with your iPhone in your pocket or bag.

Current Rollout Status

While the 2026 RAV4 appears to be the first Toyota model to gain Apple Car Key support, the exact scope of the rollout remains unclear. We don't yet know:

• Which other Toyota models will receive support
• What model years beyond 2026 will be compatible
• Whether existing vehicles can receive the feature through software updates
• The timeline for broader rollout across Toyota's lineup

Industry Context

The addition of Toyota to Apple's Car Key ecosystem represents a significant milestone. Toyota has historically been cautious about adopting new technologies, particularly those that involve sharing vehicle data with third-party companies. The fact that Toyota has now embraced Apple Car Key suggests the feature has matured and proven its value to both automakers and consumers.

What This Means for Consumers

For Toyota owners, the arrival of Apple Car Key offers several benefits:

• Convenience: No more fumbling for physical keys
• Security: Digital keys can be easily shared or revoked
• Integration: Seamless connection with other Apple services and devices
• Future-proofing: As more vehicles adopt this technology, it becomes increasingly valuable

Looking Ahead

Apple has indicated that car key support in Wallet is set to expand significantly in the near future. With Toyota now on board, we can expect to see announcements from other major automakers as they complete their integration work.

For those eager to see if their vehicle supports Apple Car Key, Apple maintains a comprehensive guide listing all compatible vehicles. As more automakers join the program, this list continues to grow, making digital car keys an increasingly viable option for consumers.

Are you a Toyota owner who has recently gained access to car key in Apple Wallet? Share your experience in the comments below.

Image Credit: PieCake1234 on Reddit