Your phone could soon replace your car keys—and it might just make life easier for seniors

Your phone could soon do more than send messages or pay for coffee—it might also replace your car keys.

What once sounded futuristic is already rolling out in Australia, promising both convenience and security.

For families, the change could reshape how we share and manage access to our vehicles.

The idea first gained attention in 2017 when Tesla introduced digital keys for the Model 3.

Other brands followed quickly, with Jaguar, Porsche, and Hyundai among the early adopters.

Now, Apple confirmed at its WWDC 2025 keynote that 13 more manufacturers—including Chevrolet, Cadillac, Rivian, and Tata Motors—would soon support iPhone car keys.

This expansion meant that digital keys were no longer just a luxury feature but increasingly standard in new models.

For Australian families, that shift could translate into greater convenience and potentially lower costs.

The ability to grant access instantly to children, grandchildren, or friends without juggling physical keys could be a game-changer.

A digital key functioned by pairing a smartphone with the vehicle, storing access in the phone’s mobile wallet.

Once registered, simply approaching the car with the phone in a pocket or handbag allowed entry.

Many newer models unlocked automatically without the need for tapping, much like tap-and-go payments.

Manufacturers also set limits on how many devices could share access.

Kia allowed up to 15, while Mercedes-Benz permitted 32.

Parents could give temporary keys to children, grant emergency access to grandchildren, or control whether others had full driving privileges or simple unlock rights.

Security remained one of the biggest concerns.

Unlike traditional keys, digital versions often required biometric authentication such as Face ID or Touch ID.

If a phone was stolen, access could be deactivated remotely.

Many systems also maintained basic functionality even when the battery was flat, with backup physical keys provided for emergencies.

The cost savings were also notable.

Traditional car key replacement in Australia ranged from $48 to as high as $1,200, depending on whether the key was a basic model, a transponder, or a smart key.

Programming fees often added hundreds more.

In contrast, replacing a digital key was essentially free—users could simply transfer access to a new phone via the manufacturer’s app.

Even so, the technology was not flawless.

Some cars required specific trims or upgrades to support digital keys.

Seniors who preferred simpler solutions could opt for transitional products such as Land Rover’s Activity Key, a waterproof wristband that worked like a digital key without a phone.

Retrofits also existed for older cars, suggesting the technology was adaptable.

Compatibility continued to improve as car makers aligned with the Digital Key 2.0 and 3.0 standards set by the Car Connectivity Consortium.

This allowed cross-platform use across Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, and Apple Wallet.

Families could therefore share keys regardless of phone brand.

For Australians, digital keys represented more than convenience—they could be a way to stay connected, avoid costly replacements, and maintain independence.

Whether helping adult children in an emergency or simply skipping the hassle of misplaced keys, the technology addressed real-world challenges.

While digital car keys promise convenience and cost savings, they also raise important questions about how much control we’re handing over to technology in our vehicles.

Security features like biometric authentication and remote deactivation may sound reassuring, but the shift to connected systems isn’t without its risks.

If you’re curious about what manufacturers might not be telling you about these modern technologies, there’s another story worth exploring.

Read more: The Secret Risks of Modern 'Connected Cars' that Manufacturers Don't Want You to Discover!

Would you feel safer and more connected if your phone replaced your car key, or does the idea of relying on technology still make you hesitate?