[anti-FUD] -Porsche Digital Key overview - from Porsche!!

[alxman]

Revisiting this issue…

When the Digital Key option transiently appeared on my My Porsche app it stated that my device was not compatible (iPhone 17 Pro), which is likely due to this new phone not yet added as an option when the digital key software was released. Obviously this will be corrected soon, if not already done.

But, when looking at Porsche’s informational page about the Digital Key (enclosed below) it got my attention that it states that it can work with either UWB or NFC enabled phones. The iPhone 17 Pro is both UWB and NFC capable, as many of the previous iPhones are.

Therefore, you could conclude that this technology could work for the 2024-2025 Macan, which despite not having an NFC door handle/NFC service card, is equipped with UWB. Just saying…


“Which mobile devices are compatible with the Porsche Digital Key?

Please note: The mobile devices listed below are officially supported by Porsche. Newer mobile devices may be compatible with the Porsche Digital Key, but Porsche does not officially support them. The Porsche Digital Key is currently available for the following devices from Apple, Samsung, and Google:

Compatible Apple devices:
iPhone® XR* / 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max / 16e* / 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max with iOS 17.1.1 or newer. iPhone® 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max / 13 / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max / 13 mini / SE (2022)* / 12 / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max / 12 mini / 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max with iOS® 15 or newer. Apple Watch® Ultra 2 / Ultra / Series 10 / 9 / 8 / 7 / 6 with watchOS 8 or newer.

Compatible Samsung devices:
Samsung Galaxy® 25* / S25+ / S25 Ultra / S24* / 24FE* / S24+ / S24 Ultra / S23* / S23 FE* / S23+ / S23 Ultra / S22* / S22+ / S22 Ultra / S21* / S21 FE* / S21+ / S21 Ultra / S20* / S20+* / Note 20 Ultra / Note 20* / S20 Ultra* / S10* / S10+* / Z Flip 6* / Z Flip 5* / Z Flip 4* / Z Flip 3* / Z Fold 6 / Z Fold SE / Z Fold 5 / Z Fold 4 / Z Fold 3 / Z Fold 2 with Android™ 13 or newer.

Compatible Google devices:
Google Pixel™ 9* / 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL / 9 Pro Fold / 9a / 8* / 8 Pro / 8a / 7* / 7 Pro / 7a* / 6 Pro / 6* / 6a* / Fold with Android™ 13 or newer.

The Digital Key uses either Ultra-Wideband (UWB) or Near Field Communication (NFC), depending on the customer’s smartphone.

With UWB-enabled phones, the Digital Key works like a classic key fob - users can lock, unlock, and start the vehicle without taking the phone out of their pocket or bag.

*These Phones support only NFC and Remote Keyless Entry via Bluetooth® Low Energy. To unlock the vehicle, these phones require a physical tap on the door handle or the user has to use the Car Control Buttons within the Wallet app. To start the vehicle, these phones need to be placed on the phone cradle.”
https://www.porsche.com/usa/porsche-connect/digital-key/


Besides, the 2024-2025 Macan does have an NFC reader behind the left lower windshield area by the VIN number. From the Owner’s Manual:

“The Porsche Macan EV uses an
NFC (Near Field Communication) (RFID)sensor located by the VIN plate under the windshield for emergency entry when your phone or fob battery dies, but also features UWB (Ultra-Wideband)hardware (with Comfort Access) for precise digital key (phone as key) functionality, letting it work seamlessly without touching handles, all part of its smart access system.”

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[Dragon Tourniquet]

But, when looking at Porsche’s informational page about the Digital Key (enclosed below) it got my attention that it states that it can work with either UWB or NFC enabled phones. The iPhone 17 Pro is both UWB and NFC capable, as many of the previous iPhones are.

Therefore, you could conclude that this technology could work for the 2024-2025 Macan, which despite not having an NFC door handle/NFC service card, is equipped with UWB. Just saying…

The power reserve on the phone only powers the NFC capabilities (UWB uses too much power), so only having UWB would mean that if your phone's battery gets too low and it shuts off, instead of still being able to use it as a key for 4-5 hours, you'd be stuck.

 

[skshimer]

A point of interest. When looking at the apps running on my 2025 Macan 4. There is an active Digital Key App but unfortunately nothing on the My Porsche app. I don’t think it was there two months ago when I was looking at active apps.

 

[alxman]

A point of interest. When looking at the apps running on my 2025 Macan 4. There is an active Digital Key App but unfortunately nothing on the My Porsche app. I don’t think it was there two months ago when I was looking at active apps.

It has always been there. I think it is part of the Comfort Access. Unfortunately, it is not related to Apple Car Key.

BTW, If you log out from the My Porsche app and then login, Apple Car Key will transiently become an option. If you select it, it will show the setup page. Unfortunately, the setup tab remains grayed out. Therefore, you cannot complete the process. I have tried many things including placing my phone on top of the key logo on the floor of the central front compartment, or in the charging cubicle, or on the lower left windshield corner over the VIN and following the owners manual instructions for unlocking the car with a discharged key fob (in the hopes that the NFC there will emit some sort of signal => “Pull the driver’s door handle firmly five times beyond the first snap-in position. Within ten seconds, hold the vehicle key on the area of the windshield with the vehicle identification number”).

But NOTHING works! It would appear that the NFC door handle hardware and/or a software update from Porsche is necessary.

I have come to the conclusion that this feature will never be offered for the 2024-2025 Macan.

 

[JonoNZ]

Has anyone seen Porsche Digital Key working on a 2026 Macan yet? I’m not sure I’ve seen it reported here.

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