Apple Expands Car Key Support to Lexus Vehicles

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Evidence suggests Apple is preparing to expand its Car Key feature to Lexus vehicles, according to findings uncovered by MacRumors in Apple’s backend code.

Apple Car Key, available in the Wallet app, lets users unlock, lock, and start compatible cars using an iPhone or Apple Watch, without needing a physical key. The feature uses NFC (and in some cases Ultra Wideband) and supports features like Express Mode, which allows access without requiring Face ID or passcode authentication.

:automobile: Lexus Integration Appears in Apple’s Backend

Code references to Lexus have been identified in Apple’s systems, indicating that support for the Toyota-owned luxury brand is being added to Apple’s Car Key backend infrastructure. This type of discovery typically signals that automaker integration is in progress ahead of a public rollout.

A similar pattern occurred with Toyota, whose Car Key support was first spotted in backend code before launching for the 2026 RAV4 in February.

:key: How Apple Car Key Differs from Lexus’ Current System

Lexus already offers its own Digital Key solution through a dedicated app, but it operates differently from Apple’s implementation:

Lexus Digital Key:

  • Requires an active connection to Toyota/Lexus servers

  • Managed through a standalone mobile app

  • Not integrated into Apple Wallet

Apple Car Key:

  • Stored directly in Apple Wallet

  • Uses NFC-based tap-to-unlock (and UWB on supported models)

  • Works without cellular connectivity

  • Supports Express Mode for seamless entry

  • Can function for hours even after an iPhone battery dies

:oncoming_automobile: Connection to Upcoming Lexus Models

Toyota previously confirmed that the 2026 Lexus ES will be the first Lexus vehicle to support an enhanced Digital Key system, arriving later this year. That rollout may align with Apple’s Car Key integration, suggesting the backend changes could be tied to upcoming vehicle launches.

:globe_showing_europe_africa: Growing Car Key Adoption

Apple Car Key support continues to expand across the automotive industry, with existing support across brands including:

  • BMW

  • Genesis

  • Kia

  • Hyundai

  • Mercedes-Benz

  • Volvo

  • Lotus

  • and others

:pushpin: Bottom Line

While Apple has not officially announced Lexus support, backend code evidence strongly suggests that Car Key integration for Lexus is actively in development, with a rollout likely to coincide with upcoming 2026 Lexus vehicles.

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Code references to Lexus have been discovered in Apple’s backend systems, suggesting that the Toyota-owned luxury brand is being added to Apple’s Car Key infrastructure. The finding was uncovered by MacRumors and follows a familiar pattern seen in earlier rollouts, where backend support appeared before public launch—most notably with Toyota’s Car Key integration, which later went live for the 2026 RAV4 in February.

At this stage, Apple has not officially announced Lexus support, and the timeline for public availability remains unclear.

:automobile: What the Backend Code Suggests

The appearance of Lexus identifiers in Apple’s Car Key backend indicates that:

  • Apple is actively working on adding Lexus compatibility

  • Integration is likely in testing or pre-launch configuration stages

  • A customer rollout may follow once automaker-side systems are ready

This kind of backend discovery is often one of the earliest signs of upcoming Car Key expansion.

:key: Lexus vs Apple Car Key Systems

Lexus already offers its own Digital Key system, but it functions differently from Apple’s Wallet-based approach:

Lexus Digital Key

  • Requires a constant connection to Toyota servers

  • Operates through a dedicated Lexus/Toyota app

  • Not integrated into Apple Wallet

Apple Car Key

  • Stored directly in Apple Wallet

  • Uses NFC tap-to-unlock (and Ultra Wideband on supported vehicles)

  • Supports Express Mode, allowing access without authentication

  • Can continue working for up to five hours after an iPhone battery dies

  • Designed for seamless, offline-capable vehicle access

:oncoming_automobile: Connection to Upcoming Lexus Models

Toyota has confirmed that the 2026 Lexus ES will be the first Lexus model to support a next-generation Digital Key system. That vehicle is expected later this year, and the timing aligns closely with Apple’s backend updates—suggesting the Car Key integration may be tied to its launch.

It is likely the code references are connected to this upcoming rollout.

:globe_showing_europe_africa: Broader Car Key Expansion

Apple Car Key support has steadily expanded across the automotive industry and is already available in vehicles from:

  • BMW

  • Genesis

  • Kia

  • Hyundai

  • Mercedes-Benz

  • Volvo

  • Lotus

  • and other manufacturers

This reflects growing adoption of smartphone-based digital key systems as a standard automotive feature.

:pushpin: Bottom Line

While Apple has not made any formal announcement, the backend code strongly indicates that Lexus Car Key support is in development, and a public rollout could arrive alongside upcoming 2026 Lexus models once integration is finalized.