[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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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.