General Motors is officially rolling out digital key support, letting drivers unlock and start their vehicles using just a smartphone or smartwatch. This update means you can leave the physical key fob at home and use Apple Wallet instead. The feature is launching in phases, starting with several Cadillac models and expanding to more Apple devices and other brands by the end of the year.
See the launch timeline for compatible General Motors vehicles
The new digital key feature works easily with any compatible iPhone or Apple Watch. It also supports Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet for Android users. Setting it up takes just a few minutes. You just open your vehicle mobile app while sitting in the car with the physical key fob nearby, then follow the prompts to add the digital key.
Once paired, ultra-wideband technology lets you walk up to your car and have it unlock automatically. You can securely share your key with friends and family using a simple message. If your device gets lost, a quick call to OnStar can deactivate the digital access right away. You will need an iPhone 11 or newer to take advantage of the ultra-wideband features.
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The initial rollout covers these specific models:
September to October 2026:
- Cadillac Vistiq (2027)
- Cadillac Optiq (2026–2027)
- Cadillac Lyriq (2025–2027)
December 2026:
- Cadillac Escalade (2027)
- Cadillac Escalade IQ/IQL (2027)
- Chevrolet Suburban (2026–2027)
- Chevrolet Tahoe (2026–2027)
- GMC Yukon (2026–2027)
- GMC Yukon XL (2026–2027)
This change brings a lot of convenience for drivers who prefer carrying fewer items in their pockets. Adding your car key to your phone makes getting on the road faster and simpler.
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