Volvo EX30 gets Apple Car Key support - a smartphone instead of a physical key
Volvo expands support for Apple Car Key digital keys. The automaker has released an update for the Volvo EX30 crossover that allows drivers to use an iPhone or Apple Watch to open, close and start the car without a physical key.
Here's What We Know
The Volvo EX30 debuted in Europe last year and officially arrived in the U.S. in February 2025. It was the third most popular electric car in Europe in 2024, behind only the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.
Now, Volvo EX30s are getting a software update version 1.5.2, which adds Apple Car Key support. Here's how it works:
- The digital key is stored in the Apple Wallet app
- All you need to do to start the car is to have your smartphone with you or place it on the reader
- The feature is only available for Apple devices for now
- Connection is via the official Volvo mobile app - after successful pairing, the digital key appears in Apple Wallet
Volvo's flagship electric car, the EX90, has supported Car Key since its launch in 2024. Overall, the rollout of Car Key has been slow - only a handful of manufacturers have supported it since it was announced at WWDC 2020, including BMW, Kia, Rivian, and Audi. Porsche is expected to join the list soon.
The official list of cars with Apple Car Key support can be found on Apple' s website, although it has yet to be updated with new Volvo and Audi models.
What about those who don't use Apple devices?
Samsung has its own version of Digital Key integrated into the Samsung Wallet app. The Digital Key recently became available for Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 drivers. However, the "junior" Volvo EX30 is not yet on the list of supported models.
Source: 9to5mac
