Apple Preparing to Add Support for Digital Car Keys on MINI Vehicles

Friday November 17, 2023 7:57 am PST by Eric Slivka

Apple is preparing to begin supporting digital car keys in the Wallet app for certain MINI vehicles, allowing owners to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles using a pass stored in the Wallet app on the iPhone or Apple Watch.

mini oled display
MINI's parent company BMW was the first manufacturer to launch digital car keys in Wallet back in 2020, but it wasn't until earlier today that Apple Pay configuration files were updated to specifically list MINI among supported brands, as spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.

Several months ago, MINI unveiled its next-generation MINI Operating System 9, which includes MINI Digital Key Plus. The feature will support Ultra Wideband on both iOS and Android, allowing the user to access the vehicle without having to remove their phone from their pocket or bag.

MINI Operating System 9 will run on the auto industry's first large circular OLED display known as the MINI Interaction Unit, a customizable 9.4-inch screen mounted prominently in the center of the dashboard with colorful and immersive themes available to help personalize the vehicle.

The new MINI Interaction Unit with MINI Operating System 9 and MINI Digital Key Plus recently debuted in the new all-electric MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman, with both vehicles launching next year.

Tag: MINI

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Top Rated Comments

AngerDanger

38 months ago

MINI Operating System 9 will run on the auto industry's first large circular OLED display known

Got my hopes up for a second there…

Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

kingjames1970

38 months ago

I’ve got a digital key that I’ve never used. Gotta be honest, I’m not sure what it’s for. The car opens and starts with the ‘normal’ car key in my pocket on the same keychain as my house keys. A friend who has a Tesla is forever locking himself out his house as he forgets to take his house key as he doesn’t pick up a physical car key when going on.

The only thing I might use it for is to share with somebody else. But then, who would that be?! Personally feels like a solution looking for a problem. Would be delighted to be told I’m wrong as I’d love to use it. 😂

Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

capamac

38 months ago

I see your electronic display and raise you one 80s Porsche interior:

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

constantsnags!

38 months ago

Mini managed to give their new display a chin. And that interior loses much of the charm of prior mini interiors.

We bought the final special edition Clubman this year - and I’m really bummed that they’re about to yassify the console for all the future cars. The switchgear and buttons in the interiors up till now have been one of my favourite things about BMW-era MINI (this is the second one we’ve had).

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)