Samsung Wallet Car Key adds security and convenience for 2026 Toyota RAV4 drivers. The Korean company announced that starting in January 2026, the Samsung Wallet car key will support Samsung Digital Key functionality for select Toyota vehicles, with the 2026 Toyota RAV4 as the initial launch. Users with compatible Galaxy smartphones can unlock, lock, and start their Toyota vehicles, providing added convenience and security.  

The Toyota Samsung wallet is intended to simplify daily life by combining convenience and strong security, said Woncheol Chai, EVP and head of the digital wallet team in the Mobile Experience (MX) business at Samsung Electronics. By introducing digital key support for Toyota vehicles starting with the 2026 Toyota RAV4, we are broadening these benefits to more users. Galaxy owners can get off the road more quickly and safely. We encourage Toyota RAV4 owners to try Samsung Wallet as the smarter, safer way to drive.  

Samsung Wallet provides Samsung Galaxy users with a secure, centralized location for payment cards, IDs, passes, and digital keys. Its incorporation with the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem ensures smooth connectivity and increased security to support daily activities.  

How Digital Car Keys Work 

After linking supported Toyota models to the Samsung Wallet, Samsung Galaxy users can start their vehicles from their smartphones, eliminating the need for a physical key. Ultra Wideband (UWB2) enables hands-free entry while Near Field Communications (NFC3) provides additional connectivity. UWB, standardized by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), increases security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Users can also share digital keys with trusted contacts and update or revoke access at any time, granting flexibility for households with multiple drivers or for temporary use.  

Digital keys in the Samsung wallet are securely stored on the device and protected by Samsung Knox, the company’s advanced security platform, which offers several security features. They meet EIL 6+5 certification standards, providing strong protection against unauthorized entry and shielding sensitive key information.  

If a device with a digital key is lost or stolen, users can remotely lock or delete the key using Samsung Find My Device. Biometric or pin authentication provides an additional level of security for private vehicle access.  

Availability 

Digital key functionality for select 2026 Toyota RAV4 models will launch this month in the United States and Canada. In Europe, the rollout will follow Toyota’s Vehicle Launch Schedule for that region.  

• The 2026 Toyota RAV4 in all launch regions will support digital key, with additional regional model announcements to follow.  

• UWB support is available on select devices. Supported UWB models include Galaxy S21 Ultra, S21 Plus, S22 Ultra, S22 Plus, S23 Ultra, S23 Plus, S24 Ultra, S24 Plus, S25 Ultra, and S25 Edge.a, S25 Edge.  

• Note 20 Ultra  

• Z Fold 2 through Z Fold 7 and Z Trifold in South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. NFC-based digital key functionality will be available later this year on select Galaxy S, Note, Z Flip, A-Series, and Xcover devices, expanding compatibility beyond current UWB-enabled models.  

• Samsung Knox meets stringent security standards set by governments and major enterprises worldwide, providing business users with a robust mobile security solution. For more information, visit http://samsungss://www.samsungknox.com/en/knox-platform/knox-certifications 

• Evaluation Assurance Level 6+ requires products to be tested for protection against side channels and advanced attack vectors, as well as for comprehensive testing and verification of security functions.  

• The digital key rollout in Europe will initially launch in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.  

Apple Car Key Comparison 

Both Samsung Wallet and Apple Car Key turn your smartphone into a digital car key, letting you lock, unlock, and start vehicles using NFC and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology. This comparison examines how each system works, its similarities, and which is best for your device and vehicle.  

Apple entered the market earlier and maintains broader partnerships with car manufacturers. However, Samsung is quickly widening its reach through integration with the Galaxy ecosystem and support for newer brands such as Mahindra, Porsche, and Polestar.  

Key Similarities and Differences: 

• Technology: Both use NFC for tap-to-unlock and UWB for passive entry (unlocking as you approach).  

• Key Sharing: Both enable secure key sharing with friends or family via messenger apps or QR codes, allowing permissions and access revocation.  

• Security: Bot stores digital keys in a secure element protected by biometrics.  

• Functionality: Both support remote locking, unlocking, and limited preconditioning (AC/heat).  

These similarities and differences mean users should choose the platform that best matches their device and driving needs.  

Samsung wallet is ideal for users of high-end Samsung Galaxy phones who want a fully integrated system that works with brands like Hyundai and BMW, as well as new editions such as Mahindra.  

Apple Car Key is best for those in the Apple ecosystem who drive supported vehicles, mainly luxury or newer electric models such as BMWs and Mercedes-Benz.