TL;DR
Apple is taking part in a week-long Plugfest run by the Car Connectivity Consortium to evaluate real-world performance of the Digital Key standard behind Apple’s Car Key. The testing focuses on version 4 of the specification (with checks for version 3 compatibility) and involves major automakers and tech firms assessing security, privacy and passive-entry reliability.
What happened
Apple participated in a week-long interoperability event organized by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) to assess how the Digital Key standard performs in real-world conditions. The Plugfest is centered on version 4 of the CCC’s Digital Key specification while also exercising compatibility with version 3. Participants include a mix of automakers, technology companies and testing firms — among them BMW, General Motors, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, Volkswagen Group of America, Google and others. The CCC said 115 vehicles and other products achieved certification in the prior year and that some 15 major automakers and smart device makers are involved in this year’s tests. CCC framed the work as part of an industry shift toward routine digital key support, noting a 2025 turning point. Testing at the event covers security, privacy and reliability, with particular attention to passive entry where compatible cars unlock automatically when an authorized iPhone or Apple Watch approaches.
Why it matters
- Interoperability testing could speed wider adoption of a single, cross-brand digital key standard.
- Focus on security and privacy addresses core concerns that influence consumer and manufacturer trust.
- Passive entry testing targets a convenience feature that changes how users interact with vehicle access.
- Broad participation from automakers and tech firms suggests the technology is moving from pilot projects to mainstream expectations.
Key facts
- The Plugfest is organized annually by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) to measure real-world interoperability of the Digital Key standard.
- This year’s event emphasizes version 4 of the Digital Key specification and also tests compatibility with version 3.
- Apple is listed among participating companies; others named include BMW, General Motors, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian and Volkswagen Group of America.
- The participant list also includes technology and testing organizations such as Google, Accenture, DEKRA Testing and Certification, Ellisys, and Motorola Mobility.
- The CCC reported that 115 vehicles and other products earned certification last year.
- Around 15 major automakers and smart device manufacturers are taking part in the current tests, per the CCC.
- The CCC characterized 2025 as a turning point when digital keys shifted from early innovation to an industry expectation.
- CCC’s 2025 Future of Vehicle Connectivity Report found 97% of member companies rated vehicle access as extremely or very important.
- Testing at the event covers security, privacy and reliability, with passive entry — automatic unlocking as a user approaches with Car Key on an iPhone or Apple Watch — highlighted as a focus.
What to watch next
- Results and interoperability data from the Plugfest, including how well version 4 performs across different makes (not confirmed in the source).
- Whether the event leads to additional CCC certifications or a rise in certified vehicles this year (not confirmed in the source).
- Practical reliability of passive entry across device and vehicle combinations and any recommended changes stemming from the tests (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Digital Key: A standardized specification that enables secure, device-based vehicle access using smartphones and wearables.
- Car Key (Apple): Apple’s implementation of the Digital Key concept that allows iPhones and Apple Watches to lock, unlock and start compatible vehicles.
- Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC): An industry group that develops the Digital Key standard and coordinates testing and certification for interoperable vehicle access technologies.
- Plugfest: An interoperability testing event where manufacturers and technology providers run cross-device and cross-vendor scenarios to collect performance data.
- Passive entry: A feature that automatically unlocks a vehicle as an authorized device approaches, without explicit user action.
Reader FAQ
What is the Plugfest mentioned in the report?
A week-long CCC event for end-to-end interoperability testing of the Digital Key standard.
Which companies are participating?
Participants named by the CCC include Apple, BMW Group, General Motors, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, Volkswagen Group of America, Google and several testing and technology firms.
Does Car Key support passive entry?
Yes — compatible vehicles can automatically unlock as an iPhone or Apple Watch with Car Key approaches, which is a focus of the testing.
Will version 4 of the standard change how my car works with digital keys?
not confirmed in the source
Will my specific vehicle model support Car Key after these tests?
not confirmed in the source
Apple confirms Google’s Gemini will power new Siri features Chance Miller Jan 12 2026 AAPL COMPANY CAR KEY Apple tests real-world Car Key performance with major car makers Ben Lovejoy…
Sources
- Apple tests real-world Car Key performance with major car makers
- Apple hosts CCC Plugfest to advance digital key …
- Industry Leaders Gather for Thirteenth Plugfest to Advance …
- Major Automakers and Device Makers (Including Apple) …
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