Apple Releases 'Car Keys Tests' App for Licensed MFi Developers

Apple has released a testing app for vehicle manufacturers who are working on integrating its digital Car Keys software (via 9to5Mac).

car keys tests
Apple's digital car key feature allows users to unlock and start a compatible vehicle by bringing an iPhone or Apple Watch near the driver-side door. The car keys are stored in the Wallet app, just like a credit card. The feature is currently limited to select BMW, Kia, and Genesis vehicles.

Called "Car Keys Tests," the new app allows licensed MFi developers to test and validate their own integration of the digital car keys technology, which Apple announced in July 2022.

Apple describes the developer tool in the following way:

For use by MFi Licensees only. Use the Car Keys Tests app to test and validate connection, performance, and other key requirements for the certification process of the vehicles you develop that incorporate Apple digital car keys technology.

"Car Keys Tests" isn't listed on the App Store, but there is a direct link to view and download the app. However, only developers with MFi licenses will be able to get past the login screen.

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 and iOS 27 Features Revealed in New Leak

Friday December 12, 2025 10:56 am PST by
Macworld's Filipe Espósito today revealed a handful of features that Apple is allegedly planning for iOS 26.4, iOS 27, and even iOS 28. The report said the features are referenced within the code for a leaked internal build of iOS 26 that is not meant to be seen by the public. However, it appears that Espósito and/or his sources managed to gain access to it, providing us with a sneak peek...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Coming Soon With These 8 New Features on Your iPhone

Thursday December 11, 2025 8:49 am PST by
Apple seeded the second iOS 26.2 Release Candidate to developers earlier this week, meaning the update will be released to the general public very soon. Apple confirmed iOS 26.2 would be released in December, but it did not provide a specific date. We expect the update to be released by early next week. iOS 26.2 includes a handful of new features and changes on the iPhone, such as a new...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.2 With Alarms for Reminders, Lock Screen Changes, Enhanced Safety Alerts and More

Friday December 12, 2025 10:10 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.2, the second major update to the iOS 26 operating system that came out in September, iOS 26.2 comes a little over a month after iOS 26.1 launched. ‌iOS 26‌.2 is compatible with the ‌iPhone‌ 11 series and later, as well as the second-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones over-the-air by going to Settings >...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3

Thursday December 11, 2025 11:28 am PST by
Apple today released new firmware designed for the AirPods Pro 3 and the prior-generation AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 3 firmware is 8B30, up from 8B25, while the AirPods Pro 2 firmware is 8B28, up from 8B21. There's no word on what's include in the updated firmware, but the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 are getting expanded support for Live Translation in the European Union in iOS...
macOS Tahoe 26 Thumb

Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26.2 With Edge Light

Friday December 12, 2025 10:08 am PST by
Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.2, the second major update to the macOS Tahoe operating system that came out in September. macOS Tahoe 26.2 comes five weeks after Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.1. Mac users can download the macOS Tahoe update by using the Software Update section of System Settings. macOS Tahoe 26.2 includes Edge Light, a feature that illuminates your face with soft...
AirTag 2 Mock Feature

Apple AirTag 2: Four New Features Found in iOS 26 Code

Thursday December 11, 2025 10:31 am PST by
The AirTag 2 will include a handful of new features that will improve tracking capabilities, according to a new report from Macworld. The site says that it was able to access an internal build of iOS 26, which includes references to multiple unreleased products. Here's what's supposedly coming: An improved pairing process, though no details were provided. AirTag pairing is already...
ipados 26 1 slide over

Apple Releases iPadOS 26.2 With Multitasking Improvements

Friday December 12, 2025 10:09 am PST by
Apple today released iPadOS 26.2, the second major update to the iPadOS 26 operating system released in September. iPadOS 26.2 comes a month after iPadOS 26.1. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. iPadOS 26.2 continues with the multitasking improvements that were added with iPadOS 26.1. You can now drag and...
bug security vulnerability issue fix larry

Update Now: iOS 26.2 Fixes 20+ Security Vulnerabilities

Friday December 12, 2025 11:11 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, and macOS 26.2, all of which introduce new features, bug fixes, and security improvements. Apple says that the updates address over 20 vulnerabilities, including two bugs that are known to have been actively exploited. There are a pair of WebKit vulnerabilities that could allow maliciously crafted web content to execute code or cause memory...

Top Rated Comments

CalMin Avatar
37 months ago
I no longer need to take my wallet, house keys or camera with me. Looking forward to the day I can dump the car keys as well. (oh, and California please hurry with that digital drivers license!)
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
haruhiko Avatar
37 months ago

Add to that the fact that many users, myself included, don’t trust Apple software and third party companies enough to secure things like houses and cars. I use Apple Wallet a lot but there’s a big difference in a bank card and a car for instance.
Your digital key is designed to be only operated by you. A physical key however can be operated by anybody. It (in theory) can’t be as non-secure as the key it’s replacing. But of course if you think that Apple can impersonate you and authorise another person to download your digital key, it’s totally another issue and you should throw away your smartphone at once since it’s much more dangerous than a key to your house.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bkaus Avatar
37 months ago

Getting auto manufactures to do anything quickly is an ordeal. Remember the CarPlay roll out? I mean Tesla just added it like a few months ago.
Tesla didn’t add CarPlay. They did add Apple Music.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
brian3uk Avatar
37 months ago
Getting auto manufactures to do anything quickly is an ordeal. Remember the CarPlay roll out?

(Edited to remove mention of Tesla)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Marzzz Avatar
37 months ago
I use the digital key with my car, but it is always a bit if a gamble as to whether it will work, so I only trust it on short trips. It often takes a few tries before it unlocks the car. Also, you have to take the phone out and “apply” it to the door handle, while my fob works in proximity from my pocket. Still, between the digital wallet, key and driver’s license, it is great not to have to carry all that stuff to the gym….
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheLunaPark Avatar
37 months ago

I’m surprised this hasn’t been rolled out faster- or maybe there was some exclusive deal with BMW that has now expired.

Apple said a long time ago it wants wallets and keys to go the way of the dodo. I believe it is nearly there with the technology already in place, but not with adoption. There are only a few car models, fewer house front doors and even fewer driver’s license that you only need your iPhone/ Watch for at the moment
Add to that the fact that many users, myself included, don’t trust Apple software and third party companies enough to secure things like houses and cars. I use Apple Wallet a lot but there’s a big difference in a bank card and a car for instance.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)