Imagine never having to fumble for your car keys again. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s already a reality for many electric vehicle (EV) owners—but not for GM drivers. Until now. GM is finally catching up by inviting a select group of Cadillac EV owners to test its long-awaited Digital Key feature. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Tesla introduced this technology back in 2017, GM is just now dipping its toes into the water. Is this a case of better late than never, or has GM fallen too far behind in the innovation race?
Let’s break it down. A Digital Key is a game-changer—it allows you to lock, unlock, and even start your car using just your smartphone or smartwatch. Think about it: we’re glued to our phones anyway, so why shouldn’t they double as our car keys? It’s a no-brainer, yet GM has been slow to adopt this technology, leaving many of its customers wondering why they’re still stuck in the physical key era.
GM’s beta program is starting with owners of the 2026 Cadillac Optiq and Lyriq models, though the fine print reveals the feature will eventually be available on properly equipped 2025 or newer GM vehicles. But there’s a catch: to use it, you’ll need a compatible device—at least an iPhone 11, Apple Watch Series 6, Google Pixel 6 Pro, or newer—and an active OnStar service plan. And this is the part most people miss: while GM is making strides, it’s still playing catch-up to competitors like Tesla, BMW, Hyundai, and even Ford, who have had digital keys for years.
In June, Apple announced that GM’s Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac brands would soon join the growing list of automakers offering Apple Wallet digital keys. The rollout seems to be starting with Cadillac EV owners, but Chevy and GMC models are expected to follow suit. Yet, as we approach 2026, it’s hard not to wonder: why has it taken GM so long to embrace this technology? After all, most vehicles without digital keys today are either older models or stripped-down entry-level trims—not exactly the case for a luxury brand like Cadillac.
GM did introduce a physical key card with the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq, but let’s be honest: that’s not the same as a seamless digital solution. With beta testing now underway, the question remains: can GM close the gap with industry leaders like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid, who are constantly pushing the boundaries of tech and software? GM claims Cadillac is the luxury EV leader in the U.S., but without embracing innovations like digital keys, maintaining that title won’t be easy.
So, what do you think? Is GM’s move to digital keys a step in the right direction, or is it too little, too late? And more importantly, should digital keys be standard across all vehicles by now? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
If you’re curious to experience GM’s latest offerings, you can use the links below to find vehicles like the Chevy Equinox EV, Cadillac Optiq, or GMC Hummer EV SUV in your area. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be one of the first to test drive a GM vehicle with a digital key.
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