Automotive Digital Key Industry Trend Report, 2026

Description

Digital Key Research: Automotive BLE, UWB and SLE Hardware Layout

The Automotive Digital Key Industry Trend Report, 2026, released by ResearchInChina, analyzes and predicts the digital key market, communication technology and standards, industry chain and competitive landscape, OEMs' applications and planning, chip vendors and system integrators, and forecasts the trends.

1. Automotive digital keys will enter the market structure adjustment stage

From 2025 to 2026, China's passenger car digital key market sustained rapid growth.

In 2025, 13.335 million passenger cars were installed with digital keys in China, a year-on-year increase of 20.5%; the installation rate reached 58.1%, up about 9.7 percentage points from last year.

From January to February 2026, 1.554 million passenger cars were installed with digital keys in China, a year-on-year increase of 0.8%; the installation rate reached 59.0%, up about 9.1 percentage points from last year.

Based on the sales volume of passenger cars and the installations of digital keys in 2025 and January-February 2026, we have raised our market expectation. The digital key installation rate will exceed 60% in 2026 and be higher than 90% from 2032. In the next few years, digital keys will shift from quantitative improvement to qualitative improvement, and OEMs will pay more attention to the stability of digital key performance.

As per the growth of each market segment, the future market structure is adjusted in the following directions:

BLE Solutions (including BLE, BLE+NFC) is still mainstream in the market, and will account for half of the digital key market by installation rate, basically covering economical vehicle models and mid-range vehicle models;

With its performance advantages, high-precision positioning and radar, the UWB solution will integrate future digital keys with other functions, such as multiplexing functions like in-cabin monitoring and kick radar, to make the overall cost optimal.

NearLink solutions began mass production and vehicle deployment in 2025. Given the sales growth of the vehicle models of Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) and Huawei's influence, the installations and installation rate of NearLink keys have increased significantly in just one year. It is expected to double in 2026 and gradually become one of the mainstream digital key technologies.

NFC solutions involve integration with various brands. Due to the short communication distance and limited application scenarios, it is predicted that the NFC-only solution will have limited room for growth.

2. BLE keys usually use 3-5 Bluetooth anchors

In automotive BLE key solutions, the 1-anchor solution is rarely used, and the 1+2 or 1+3 solution is relatively common. The Tesla Model 3 uses a 1+2 solution, with the master anchor located near the center console and the slave anchors (antenna modules) located on the left and right B-pillars. UBITRAQ's multi-Bluetooth solution uses a 1+3 solution, with the master anchor near the center console and the slave anchors on the left and right B-pillars and the rear of the vehicle.

In the BLE+NFC solution, the number of Bluetooth anchors is usually increased to 5. For example, YFORE Technology's DK1.0 Max solution uses 5 BLE anchors + 2 NFC anchors, enabling passive locking and unlocking as well as instant driving after gear shifting.

3. UWB keys usually use 4-6 UWB anchors

There are two common vehicle UWB hardware architecture solutions:

(1) "4 exterior anchors + 1 interior anchor": deploy 4 exterior anchors on both sides of the front and rear bumpers, and the interior anchor at the center console.

(2) "0 exterior anchor + 4 interior anchors": deploy 4 UWB anchors on both sides of the B-pillar and the front and rear windshields in the vehicle.

As per mass production solutions of OEMs, 4-6 UWB anchors are commonly used:

Lynk & Co uses 4 UWB anchors, as well as a BLE anchor and 2 NFC anchors;

ZEEKR uses 6 UWB anchors and a BLE anchor;

XPeng uses 6 UWB anchors, as well as 2 BLE anchors and 2 NFC anchors.

High cost and high power consumption are still bottlenecks for popularization of UWB keys. Therefore, reducing anchors has become one of the ways to lower costs in the industry. UBITRAQ and Joynext have launched related solutions.

(1) UBITRAQ

UBITRAQ is introducing its patented UWB-AOA single-base-station positioning system into UWB digital key application scenarios. It can reduce the number of anchors in a single vehicle with a UWB digital key from five to at least one (one UWB-AOA anchor is deployed in the vehicle).

UBITRAQ places the UWB-AOA anchor on the ceiling of the vehicle, allowing the signal to penetrate through the glass and cover the outside of the vehicle. The positioning algorithm handles the blocking effect of the A/B/C pillars, doors and body on the UWB signal. In this way, at least one new anchor is needed to achieve 360° positioning of the UWB key. If two UWB-AOA anchors are placed in the whole vehicle, the system can work more stably.

(2) Joynext

Relying on the nAccess hardware module, Joynext launches a cost-effective "dual-anchor" digital key solution that integrates UWB digital key and Child Presence Detection (CPD) through a system.

4. NearLink keys usually use 5 NearLink anchors

At this stage, NearLink usually uses 5 anchors. The master anchor is often installed near the reading light, and the slave anchors are installed at the front and rear bumpers/left and right B-pillars. This layout is not only beautiful, but also ensures signal coverage and ranging accuracy. When the user approaches the vehicle, the master anchor establishes a connection with the digital key and wakes up the slave anchors to complete networking. Through the multi-anchor ranging algorithm, the system can accurately calculate the distance between the key and each anchor and output the ranging results.

As per the mass production solutions of suppliers:

The BLE+NFC+NearLink solution launched by YFORE Technology uses 5 NearLink anchors (one master interior module and four slave exterior modules) to realize such functions as active welcome, passive locking/unlocking, key sharing, remote parking, keyless start, multi-user connection, and OTA updates.

Relying on UWB-AOA technology, UBITRAQ launches the NearLink+UWB solution which uses 2 UWB anchors mainly for positioning, and 1 or 4 NearLink anchors to replace the traditional Bluetooth chip.

Product Code: YSJ133

1 Automotive Digital Key Market Trends and Forecast

1.1 Introduction to Digital Keys
Overview of Digital Key
Digital Key System Architecture
Digital Key System Operation Process
Digital Key Hardware Architecture
1.2 Development History of Digital Key
1.3 Digital Key Technology Routes
1.4 Application Scenarios of Digital Key
Trends
Cases (1)
Cases (2)
Cases (3)
1.5 Digital Key Installation Data
Installation Rate of Digital Keys in Passenger Cars
Brand and Vehicle Model Distribution
Price Distribution
Brand Distribution
Solution Distribution
1.6 Digital Key Market Forecast, 2026-2033E
Market Size Forecast
Market Share Forecast by Segment
Digital Key Integration Solution Installation Trend Forecast
Digital Key Market Size Forecast
1.7 Digital Key Standards and Consortiums
- 1.7.1 Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC)
- Standard Evolution
- System Architecture of CCC 3.0
- Digital Key Ecosystem
- Digital Key Authentication
- Members
- 1.7.2 Intelligent Car Connectivity Industry Ecosystem Alliance (ICCE)
- Evolution of Digital Key Standards and Specifications
- Digital Key Authentication
- Members
- 1.7.3 Intelligent Car Connectivity Open Alliance (ICCOA)
- Members
- ICCOA Digital Key 2.0
- ICCOA Digital Key 3.0
- ICCOA Digital Key 4.0
- 1.7.4 SparkLink Alliance
- Main members
- Standards and Specifications
- Digital Key SIG

2 Digital Key Technology Roadmaps and Application Trends

2.1 Digital Keys Based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Technical Features of Bluetooth
Bluetooth Positioning Technology 1
Bluetooth Positioning Technology 2
Installation Features of Bluetooth Keys: Digital Key Solutions with BLE
Installation Features of Bluetooth Keys: BLE Solutions
Installation Features of Bluetooth Keys: BLE+NFC Solutions
Predicted Proportion of Bluetooth CS in Bluetooth Digital
BLE Digital Key System Architecture
Summary of Representative BLE Digital Key Solutions (1)
Summary of Representative BLE Digital Key Solutions (2)
Summary of Representative BLE Digital Key Solutions (3)
Summary of Representative BLE Digital Key Solutions (4)
Application Trends of Bluetooth in Vehicles (1)
Application Trends of Bluetooth in Vehicles (5)
2.2 UWB-based Digital Keys
Technical Features of UWB
Installation Features of UWB Keys: Digital Key Solutions with UWB
Installation Features of UWB Keys: BLE+NFC+UWB Solutions
Digital Key Launch Timetable of Major OEMs
UWB-Enabled Mobile Phone Market
UWB-Based Digital Key Solutions
Summary of Representative UWB Digital Key Solutions (1)
Summary of Representative UWB Digital Key Solutions (5)
Application Trends of UWB in Vehicles
Application Trends of UWB in Vehicles (1)
Application Trends of UWB in Vehicles (2)
Application Trends of UWB in Vehicles (8)
Application Trends of UWB in Vehicles (9)
Development Trends of UWB Keys (1)
Development Trends of UWB Keys (2)
Development Trends of UWB Keys (3)
Development Trends of UWB Keys (4)
2.3 NFC-based Digital Keys
Technical Features of NFC
Application Trends of NFC in Vehicles
Installation Features of NFC Keys: Digital Key Solutions with NFC
2.4 NearLink-based Digital Keys
Applications of NearLink in Digital Keys
NearLink Technology Overview
NearLink Industry Chain
Vehicles Models with NearLink Digital Keys
Features of NearLink Digital Keys
NearLink Digital Key Architecture
Advantages of NearLink (1)
Advantages of NearLink (2)
Advantages of NearLink (3)
Advantages of NearLink (4)
Installation Features of NearLink Keys: Digital Key Solutions with NearLink
Installation Features of NearLink Keys: Technology Solution Distribution
Installation Features of NearLink Keys: Price Distribution
Installation Features of NearLink Keys: Vehicle Model Distribution
Summary of Representative NearLink Digital Key Solutions
NearLink Digital Key Solution 1
NearLink Digital Key Solution 2
NearLink Digital Key Solution 3

3 Digital Key Industry Chain Structure and Application Trends

3.1 Digital Key Industry Chain
3.2 Digital Key Competitive Landscape
Competitive Landscape of Digital Key System Integrators
Summary of Digital Key System Integrators - Foreign Companies
Summary of Digital Key System Integrators - Domestic Companies
3.3 Digital Key Cost Composition
NFC Key Cost Structure
BLE Key Cost Structure
NFC+BLE Key Cost Structure
BLE+NFC+UWB Key Cost Structure
3.4 BLE Chip Vendors
Comparison between BLE Chip Vendors (1)
Comparison between BLE Chip Vendors (2)
3.5 UWB Chip Vendors
Summary of UWB Chip Vendors (1)
Summary of UWB Chip Vendors (2)
Summary of UWB Chip Vendors (3)
Summary of UWB Chip Vendors (4)
Summary of Chinese and Foreign Automotive-Grade UWB Chips (1)
Summary of Chinese and Foreign Automotive-Grade UWB Chips (2)
Summary of Chinese and Foreign Automotive-Grade UWB Chips (3)
Summary of Chinese and Foreign Automotive-Grade UWB Chips (4)
3.6 NFC Chip Competitive Landscape
3.7 NearLink Chip Vendors
Summary of NearLink Chip Vendors (1)
Summary of NearLink Chip Vendors (2)
Summary of NearLink Chip Vendors (3)
Summary of NearLink Chip Vendors (4)
List of Chinese NearLink Module Suppliers and Products (1)
List of Chinese NearLink Module Suppliers and Products (2)
List of Chinese NearLink Module Suppliers and Products (3)
3.8 Software and Hardware Integration Trends of Digital Key Suppliers
3.9 Overseas Layout and Cooperation of Digital Key OEMs and Suppliers
3.10 Digital Key Experience Improvement Strategy
Digital Key Problems
Digital Key Requirement
Digital Key Improvement Strategies (1)
Digital Key Improvement Strategies (5)
3.11 Digital Key Multi-protocol Fusion Strategies
3.12 Digital Key Security Mechanisms
3.13 Digital Key Cost Reduction Strategies
Digital Key Cost Reduction Strategy 1
Digital Key Cost Reduction Strategy 5
XPeng's Digital Key Cost Reduction Plan
INGEEK's Digital Key Cost Reduction Plan
YFORE Technology's Digital Key Cost Reduction Plan
UBITRAQ's Digital Key Cost Reduction Plan
3.14 Integration of Digital Keys and Biological Keys
Route 1: Gesture Recognition
Case of Using Gesture Recognition to Open Doors (1)
Case of Using Gesture Recognition to Open Doors (2)
Case of Using Gesture Recognition to Open Doors (3)
Route 2: Face Recognition
Cases of Using Face Recognition to Open Doors (1)
Cases of Using Face Recognition to Open Doors (5)
Route 3: Voice
Case of Using Voice to Open Doors
OEMs Using Voice to Open Doors
Route 4: Fingerprint/Palmprint
Case of Using Fingerprint/Palmprint to Open Doors (1)
Case of Using Fingerprint/Palmprint to Open Doors (2)
Route 5: Door Opening by Finger Vein Recognition
Route 6: Door Opening by Touch
Route 7: Door Opening by Password Lock
Route 8: Myoelectric Recognition
3.15 Impact of Phone-IVI Interconnection on Digital Keys
Application Scenarios of Phone-IVI Interconnection
Main Phone-IVI Interconnection Products
Summary of Phone-IVI Interconnection Applied by OEMs
Integration Solution of Phone-IVI Interconnection and Digital Keys (1)
Integration Solution of Phone-IVI Interconnection and Digital Keys (5)
3.16 Integration of Digital Keys and PEPS
Features of PEPS System
PEPS Installation Data (1): Installation Rate of PEPS in Passenger Cars
PEPS Installation Data (2): Brand and Vehicle Model Distribution
PEPS Market Forecast, 2026-2033E
Replacement of Traditional PEPS by Digital Keys
Global PEPS Suppliers
Chinese PEPS Suppliers

4 Digital Key Layout of OEMs

4.1 BYD
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Development History
Digital Key Solutions (1)
Digital Key Solutions (2)
Digital Key Solutions (3)
Digital Key Solutions (4)
Structure of Denza's Digital Key System
Yangwang Supports All Brands of UWB Models
4.2 Geely
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solutions
Investment in Giant Microelectronics (UWB Chip Vendor)
4.3 ZEEKR
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Architecture
UWB-Based Child Presence Detection Radar of ZEEKR 9X
Door Opening by Face Recognition
4.4 Geely Galaxy
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital key
4.5 Lynk & Co
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solutions
Features of Digital Keys
4.6 Changan
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Bluetooth Key Development History
Digital Key Solutions
Digital Key Patents
4.7 Avatr
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital key
4.8 Tesla
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solutions (1)
Digital Key Solutions (2)
Digital Key Solutions (3)
Support for HarmonyOS Wallet Kit
4.9 Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA)
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solutions
Huawei Qiankun Vehicle-Cloud Digital Key
Huawei Digital Car Key
4.10 Xiaomi Auto
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solutions
Digital Key Solution of YU7
4.11 Li Auto
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solutions
UWB Radar
4.12 Xpeng
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solutions (1)
Digital Key Solutions (2)
Digital Key Solutions (3)
CCC Digital Key(TM) Certification
4.13 NIO
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solutions (1)
Digital Key Solutions (2)
Digital Key Solutions (3)
4.14 Hyundai
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Development History
Bluetooth Key
Fingerprint Unlock
Fingerprint Unlock Collection Method and Operating Principle
UWB Security Radar
4.15 BMW
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Introduction to and Development History of Digital Keys
Digital Key Solutions
How to Use Digital Keys
Digital Key Solutions (1)
Digital Key Solutions (2)
Digital Key Solutions (3)
4.16 Mercedes-Benz
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
UWB Digital Key
4.17 Toyota
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solutions (1)
Digital Key Solutions (2)
Digital Key Solutions (3)
4.18 SAIC
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Iteration
Digital Key Solutions
4.19 SAIC-GM
Installations and Installation Rate of Digital Keys
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Iteration
Digital Key Layout
Digital Key Architecture
Digital Key Protocol
Digital Key Application Scenarios
Digital Key Planning

5 Digital Key Chip Vendors

5.1 NXP
Profile
Digital Key Market Trends
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solution 3.0
Digital Key UWB Chips
Digital Key BLE Chips
Digital Key NFC Chips
Digital Key Encryption Chips
Digital Key Solutions
5.2 ST
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Car Key Product Architecture
Digital Key Solutions
Digital Key Solutions: Cloud Services
Digital Key UWB Chips
Digital Key BLE Chips
Digital Key NFC Chips: 25R
Digital Key NFC Chip: 25R3920B
Digital Key Partners
5.3 TI
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key System: PaaK System Structure
Digital Key BLE Chips: CC27xx-Q1
Digital Key BLE Chips: CC27xx-Q1
5.4 Telink
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solutions
Dynamics of Digital Key Solutions
5.5 Apple
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solutions: NFC Keys
Digital Key UWB Chips
Digital Key Authentication System
Digital Key Partners
5.6 QORVO
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
UWB Solution
Digital Key UWB Chips
5.7 Qualcomm
Digital Key Product Layout
Next-Generation Connectivity System: FastConnect 7900

6 Foreign Digital Key System Suppliers

6.1 Pektron
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Products
Cooperative Ecology
6.2 G+D Mobile Security
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solution Demonstration
Major Digital Key Customers
6.3 Alps Alpine
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key System (1)
Digital Key System (2)
6.4 Marquardt
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
PEPS
Digital Keys
6.5 Irdeto
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Solutions
Chinese Digital Key Customers
6.6 Bosch
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Perfectly Keyless
UWB Digital Key Identity Xtended
Intelligent Keyless System Positioning Anchor Module
6.7 Valeo
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Development History of Digital Key Solutions
Digital Key Solutions (1)
Digital Key Solutions (2)
6.8 AUMOVIO
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key Development History
UWB Digital Keys
Expanded Functions of UWB Digital Keys
Cooperative Ecology
6.9 FORVIA
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
UWB Keys
6.10 KOSTAL
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
UWB Digital Key System
UWB Digital Keys Launched with NIO
6.11 Denso
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
BLE Digital Keys
Passenger Monitoring Solutions
6.12 Huf Group
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Mobile Phone Digital Key System
Mobile Phone Key Services and Technologies
Communication Technology of Mobile Phone Key System
6.13 TOKAI RIKA
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Dynamics of Digital Key Business
Digital Key Solutions
FREEKEY Digital Key System
UWB Digital Key Solutions
Child Presence Detection System
UWB-based Wireless Charging

7 Domestic Digital Key System Suppliers

7.1 INGEEK
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Iteration of Digital Keys
Main Functions of Digital Keys
Digital Key Application Scenarios
Intelligent Connected System (ICS)
Digital Key Cloud
Digital Key Products (1)
Digital Key Products (2)
Digital Key Products (3)
Digital Key Ecological Layout
Cooperation with OEMs in Digital Keys
Dynamics in Digital Key Cooperation
7.2 YFORE Technology
Profile
Digital Key Layout
Digital Key Product Matrix
Digital Key System Framework
Digital Keys Based on BLE 6.0
NearLink-based Digital Keys
UWB Technology
R&D Investment
Certification System
Smart Entry System
Digital Key Security Mechanism
Digital Key Application Scenarios
Extended Applications of Digital Keys
BLE TPMS
Advantages in Digital Key Cooperation
Customers & Ecological Partners
7.3 UBITRAQ
Profile
Digital Key Layout
UWB-based Automotive Products
UWB Digital Keys
UWB Digital Key Technology Advantages
UWB Digital Key Deployment Locations
UWB Digital Key Hardware Products
UWB Digital Key Application Solutions
Scalable Applications of UWB
Liveness Detection Solution
Kick Radar Solution
Sentinel Monitoring Solution
7.4 ADAYO
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Technical Innovation in Digital Keys
Digital Key Development Path
Digital Key Supply to Deepal L06
Digital Key Supply to New AITO M7
Digital Key Supply to Mazda EZ-60
7.5 Jingwei Hirain
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Automotive Electronics
Body Domain Controllers and PEPS Products
Digital Key Solutions (1)
Digital Key Solutions (2)
Automated Digital Key Testing
7.6 PATEO
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
NearLink Digital Keys
Digital Key Business
7.7 TsingCar
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
UWB Digital Key Solutions
UWB Application Scenarios
7.8 Xi'an LINKSCI
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Development History
Digital Key Business
Digital Key Integration Solutions
Business Model
Automotive Digital Key System
Digital Key Products
7.9 UAES
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
BLE 6.0-based Digital Key Module
Digital Key Products
Digital Key Service Solutions
Features of Digital Keys
CPD Solutions
7.10 Fuyao
Profile
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key & Glass Integration Solutions
Digital Key Solutions (1)
Digital Key Solutions (2)
Digital Key Solutions (3)
Digital Key Solutions (4)
Smart B-Pillar Customers
Advantages of Digital Key Solutions
Digital Key Anchor Layout
Digital Key Application Cases (1)
Digital Key Application Cases (2)
7.11 Desay SV
Profile
Smart Entry Products
Digital Key Product Layout
Digital Key System
7.12 Sirun's Digital Key Solution
7.13 SNOWBALL's Digital Key Solution
7.14 RF-star's Digital Key Solution
7.15 Gosuncn's Digital Key Solution
7.16 Joynext's Digital Key Solution