Volkswagen ID Series EVs Gain Samsung Wallet Digital Key Support

Volkswagen Automobile and Samsung Electronics have officially partnered to enable digital key functionality for the ID series of battery-electric vehicles via Samsung Wallet. The service has already begun rolling out in select European markets, marking the first time Volkswagen ID owners gain full-scenario smart vehicle control powered by the Samsung ecosystem.

According to official information, eligible models include the ID. Polo, ID. Cross, ID.3 Neo, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, and ID. Buzz — all ID series BEVs produced from 2026 onward. Vehicles must run ID. software version 6.0.1 or higher and be manufactured after April 27, 2026.

The digital key supports multiple interaction methods: true hands-free entry powered by Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology — unlocking automatically upon approach and starting instantly upon entering; alternatively, users can lock/unlock and start the vehicle with a simple NFC tap. Additionally, users may open the tailgate independently via the key interface and grant temporary digital key access to others — ideal for valet services, car sharing, or multi-user households.

In terms of security, the feature employs multi-layer encryption, underpinned by Samsung Knox security platform protection. If a phone is lost, users can remotely disable or delete the digital key via Samsung Find, preventing unauthorized vehicle access. Notably, Samsung Wallet also supports storing high-sensitivity credentials such as credit cards, national ID cards, and boarding passes — enabling seamless 'one-device' lifestyle integration.

Supported markets currently include Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland — a total of 35 European countries and regions.

Volkswagen has not yet confirmed whether this feature will launch in the U.S. market. However, reports suggest its next-generation models may simultaneously support Apple Wallet CarKey, broadening compatibility across user bases. This move further underscores how leading automakers are accelerating integration with diverse mobile ecosystems to drive standardization of intelligent mobility experiences.