Os26 Digital Key Passive Entry and Start not working since update

I’ve had the same issue with my BMW iX since updating to iOS 26 on my iPhone 15 pro max. I’ve tried everything recommended and have been able to get it to work once but then reverts back to the same issue again. I’ve reinstalled the BMW app and the digital key, reset network settings, reset my car’s display….but nothing works for good. It is very frustrating that Apple is unable to resolve this as it seems common and often reported via multiple forums. We need some attention to this!!!!

I have taken this all the way up to APPLE WALLET engineers and Apple tech support along with BMW genius. I keep going round and round

I have the same issue! It seems to only happen on IPhone 15 Pros with iOS 26 looking at various car forums. Any updates on this issue?

Any updates from the engineers? Thanks!

I'm having the problem also. i have an iphone 15 pro and a 2024 bmw x7 and i also lost all proximity functionality that i had before with ios18. I have to use the NFC to open the door or place the phone in the charger after using faceID which I never had to do before while on ios18.

PLEASE START COMPLAINING!

Nudging this thread. I have this issue with my new Kia EV6. Key works when opening the Wallet, authenticating via FaceID and tapping "Unlock", but the phone won't do passive unlock. Anyone heard anything about a fix?

Is there any update on this? I've tried everything including deleting everything and starting all over with a phone factory reset. I have an iPhone 15 pro, and my digital key worked in passive mode until I installed iOS 26. I am on iOS 26.1 and still the same problem.

Nudging this thread, am having same issue with a BYD car and iOS 26.2(already updated from iOS 26.0 26.0.1 26.1 all the way to now and no version have worked since). Iphone 15 Pro Max 1TB MU6F3LL/A

You got lucky being able to downgrade to IOS 18, I realized too late and it got unsigned already

I have an iPhone 15 and have tried every troubleshooting option there is. The best I can do it is to temporarily get the passive features back only to have them go away after a drive or two. Very frustrating. Wish I never updated to iOS 26. Apple has to find a fix for this. Clearly on their end.

So my issue appears to have resolved after installing iOS 26.2 and then deleting, followed by reinstalling, the digital key on my iPhone….and finally resetting network connections. The key has been working consistently for 4 days now so I’m hopeful it is resolved once and for all. Good luck to others experiencing the same issue!

Have had the same problem with my Polestar 3. Tried deleting and recreating the keys on iOS 26.1, no effect. I guess i'll have to try again on 26.2. My wife is still on IOS 18 because of this, which is concerning, given that she'll no longer receive security updates. Given how widespread this issue is across various vehicle brands, this is definitely an Apple / iOS 26 issue.

I just deleted my key and reinstalled it. Let’s see what happens.

ill give it a shot tomorrow as well, I tried my precision finding (find my app with AirTags or AirPods) and no luck. I believe the issue is related as they both use UWB tech on the iPhone 15 pros

So far so good, iOS 26.2 seems to have fixed it. It do require deleting and reading the digital key.