Imagine pulling up to your car, tapping your Galaxy phone, and watching the doors unlock automatically—no physical keys required. This convenience is becoming a reality for owners of the new Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3. Samsung is expanding its Digital Key functionality to these electric vehicles, promising a seamless blend of automotive innovation and mobile technology.

Starting this month, drivers in North America, Europe, and Asia will see Digital Key support rolling out for Polestar’s SUV. Volvo’s EX90 isn’t far behind, with access coming soon in these regions and even in Latin America. This integration isn’t just about convenience; it’s a glimpse into how our everyday devices are becoming central to managing even the most traditionally mechanical tasks—like locking and starting your car.

The concept isn’t entirely new. Samsung introduced Digital Key back in 2021, and since then, the feature has gradually expanded across the automotive landscape. Now, alongside Volvo and Polestar, several other prominent brands—including BMW, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, and Mini—are offering similar functionalities through their vehicles. With a growing list of partnerships, it’s clear that digital authentication is the way forward in the auto industry.

How does it work?

For Samsung users, the process is delightfully straightforward. If you own a Galaxy device—starting from the Galaxy S20, Z Fold2, or Z Flip 5G and later models—you can pair your phone with your vehicle. Once paired, your phone effectively becomes your car key. Need to share access with a family member or friend? The Digital Key makes it possible, offering temporary or permanent access based on your preferences.

Security is paramount in this digital age, especially when it comes to something as critical as vehicle access. Samsung has built robust safeguards into the Digital Key system. Biometric verification, like fingerprint recognition or facial scanning, combined with PIN-based authentication, ensures that only authorized users can access your vehicle. In the unfortunate event that your phone is lost or stolen, you can remotely lock or delete the Digital Key, providing an extra layer of security.

While the idea of unlocking your car with your smartphone might seem like a futuristic luxury, it’s quickly becoming a standard expectation. As more car manufacturers embrace digital keys, the automotive experience is evolving to meet the needs of a tech-savvy generation. Digital keys reduce the reliance on traditional key fobs, which can be lost or damaged, and they streamline the car-sharing process—a boon for families and carpoolers alike.

Moreover, this integration represents a significant step forward in the realm of smart technology. When your phone, car, and even home devices start communicating seamlessly, it opens the door to an ecosystem where convenience and connectivity are at the forefront.

Samsung’s commitment to expanding Digital Key support signals exciting possibilities ahead. The company has hinted at future collaborations that could see more models from both Volvo and Polestar adopting this technology. As digital keys become more commonplace, expect to see further innovations that not only simplify our daily routines but also enhance security and connectivity across various platforms.