Samsung Electronics has expanded its digital wallet capabilities by introducing Digital Key support for select Audi vehicles, allowing Galaxy smartphone users to leave their physical car keys at home. The feature, available through Samsung Wallet, lets drivers lock, unlock, and start their Audi vehicles using just their phone.
“We’re excited to bring Audi drivers the incredible convenience of Samsung Digital Key, powered by advanced UWB technology and easily accessible through Samsung Wallet,” said Woncheol Chai, EVP and Head of the Digital Wallet Team at Samsung’s Mobile eXperience Business.
The new feature utilizes ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, following standards set by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), to ensure precise and secure functionality. Users can operate their vehicles through Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) and even start their cars without removing their phones from their pockets.
Security is a primary focus of the system. The Digital Keys are embedded within devices meeting EAL6+ security standards, protecting against unauthorized access. If a device is lost or stolen, users can remotely lock or delete their digital key through the Samsung Find service. Additional security measures include biometric and PIN-based authentication requirements.
The system also introduces a convenient key-sharing feature, allowing owners to securely share digital access with friends or family members over the air. This sharing can be easily managed, with owners having the ability to grant or revoke access as needed.
Samsung Wallet, launched in June 2022, serves as the platform for this technology, offering users a secure space to store not just digital car keys, but also payment methods and identification cards. The platform is protected by Samsung Knox, the company’s defense-grade security system.
The Digital Key functionality will first launch in Europe ( United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Switzerland) this month, with a global rollout to follow Audi’s vehicle launch timeline.
Device and Vehicle Compatibility:
| Supported Audi Vehicles | Compatible Samsung Devices |
|---|---|
| • Audi A6 e-tron series | • Galaxy S20 Ultra/S20+/S20 |
| • Q6 e-tron series | • S21 Ultra/S21+/S21/S21 FE |
| • Audi A5 series (More Vehicles will Follow) | • S22 Ultra/S22+/S22 |
| • S23 Ultra/S23+/S23/S23 FE | |
| • S24 Ultra/S24+/S24/S24 FE | |
| • Note20 Ultra/Note20 | |
| • Z Fold2/Z Fold3/Z Fold4/Z Fold5/Z Fold6 | |
| • Z Flip 5G/Z Flip3/Z Flip4/Z Flip5/Z Flip6 |
*Eligible Galaxy smartphones must be operating on Android 13 and above.
