TL;DR
The 9to5Mac Daily episode published Dec. 30, 2025 summarizes three main stories: Ford’s renewed commitment to CarPlay, reports that Tesla may be working on iPhone car key support in Apple Wallet, and expectations for six new iPhone 18 Pro features next year. The short episode is available across major podcast platforms and is sponsored by Roborock.
What happened
On Dec. 30, 2025, 9to5Mac Daily published a brief podcast episode that recapped Apple-adjacent news items. The show highlighted Ford’s public reaffirmation that it plans to continue supporting Apple CarPlay in its vehicles. Hosts also discussed reporting that Tesla could be developing compatibility for the iPhone digital car key inside Apple Wallet, a potential extension of Apple’s in‑vehicle credentials. Finally, the episode noted expectations that the iPhone 18 Pro will receive six notable features next year, without detailing those features in the episode itself. The episode runs just over seven minutes and is distributed across Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts and other major players. It includes a sponsor message from Roborock and points listeners to 9to5Mac Daily Plus for ad‑free episodes and bonus content. The post is credited to Seth Kurkowski.
Why it matters
- Automaker support shapes how widely Apple CarPlay remains available in new vehicles and affects in‑car user experience.
- If Tesla adds iPhone car key support in Apple Wallet, Apple’s digital key ecosystem would reach another major EV maker, altering vehicle access options for owners.
- New features for iPhone 18 Pro could influence upgrade decisions and set expectations for Apple’s product direction in the coming year.
- Frequent daily podcast episodes provide a quick way for readers and listeners to stay informed on fast-moving Apple and automotive topics.
Key facts
- Episode published Dec. 30, 2025 and credited to Seth Kurkowski.
- Runtime shown on the episode player: approximately 7 minutes and 23 seconds.
- Top stories covered: Ford reaffirming commitment to CarPlay; reports Tesla may be working on iPhone car key support in Apple Wallet; anticipated six new features for iPhone 18 Pro next year.
- Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, RSS, Spotify, TuneIn, Google Podcasts and other popular players.
- New episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are recorded every weekday.
- Episode sponsor: Roborock; the post mentions promotional deals in the sponsor message.
- 9to5Mac offers a paid tier, 9to5Mac Daily Plus, which provides ad‑free episodes and bonus content.
- Post includes an FTC disclosure noting the use of income‑earning affiliate links.
What to watch next
- Official statements or press releases from Ford outlining any specific CarPlay roadmap or integration changes.
- Announcements or confirmations from Tesla or Apple about iPhone car key availability in Apple Wallet and supported Tesla models.
- Apple’s product updates or events that detail the six expected iPhone 18 Pro features.
- Timeline for any rollouts of the reported Tesla Wallet key feature — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Apple CarPlay: A platform that allows iPhone apps and services to work with a vehicle’s infotainment system to provide navigation, calls, messages and audio.
- Apple Wallet: An app on iPhone that stores digital cards, tickets, passes and secure credentials such as payment cards and digital keys.
- Digital car key: A credential stored on a smartphone that can lock, unlock and sometimes start a compatible vehicle without a physical key.
- Podcast: An episodic audio program distributed online and playable on demand through podcast apps and services.
Reader FAQ
Where can I listen to this 9to5Mac Daily episode?
The episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, RSS, Spotify, TuneIn, Google Podcasts and other podcast players.
Who published the Dec. 30, 2025 episode?
The episode is credited to Seth Kurkowski and published by 9to5Mac Daily.
Has Tesla officially confirmed iPhone car key support in Apple Wallet?
Not confirmed in the source.
How often are new 9to5Mac Daily episodes released?
New episodes are recorded every weekday, according to the post.
Is there a paid version of the podcast?
Yes. 9to5Mac offers 9to5Mac Daily Plus, which provides ad‑free episodes and bonus content, per the post.
iOS 26 has three new iPhone features I’ve been really loving Ryan Christoffel Dec 29 2025 9TO5MAC PODCAST NETWORK 9TO5MAC DAILY PODCAST 9to5Mac Daily: December 30, 2025 – CarPlay and…
Sources
- 9to5Mac Daily: December 30, 2025 – CarPlay and car key news
- Ford reaffirms its ongoing commitment to CarPlay
- Evidence Shows Tesla May Soon Embrace Apple Car Key
- iPhone
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