What to know
- Samsung Wallet now allows Galaxy smartphone users to lock, unlock, and start select Audi vehicles without a physical key.
- The Digital Key feature uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology and meets EAL6+ security standards, with the ability to remotely disable keys if a phone is lost.
- The rollout begins this month in European countries including the UK, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany, with global expansion planned to align with new Audi vehicle launches.
Samsung has taken a big leap in automotive technology by introducing Digital Key support for Audi vehicles through Samsung Wallet. This new feature transforms your Galaxy smartphone into a car key, allowing you to unlock, start, and access your Audi without ever reaching for a physical key.
As Samsung announced, the Digital Key function works seamlessly with select Audi models, including the A6 e-tron series, Q6 e-tron series, and A5 series. You can control your vehicle through Remote Keyless Entry, which lets you lock, unlock, and even open the trunk using just your smartphone.
One of the standout features is the ability to share your Digital Key with friends and family. You can grant or revoke access remotely, making it convenient when someone needs to borrow your car. If your phone gets lost or stolen, you can quickly disable or delete the Digital Key through the Samsung Find service.
The feature is compatible with most recent Galaxy devices, including the S20 series and newer models, as well as the Z Fold and Z Flip series. Your phone needs to run Android 13 or higher to use this functionality.
Samsung has prioritized security in this implementation. The Digital Key uses advanced UWB technology and meets rigorous EAL6+ security standards. The system requires biometric or PIN authentication, ensuring that only authorized users can access the vehicle.
The rollout begins in November in European markets, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and several Nordic countries. Global availability will follow, coordinating with Audi’s vehicle launch schedule in different regions.
