In a somewhat unexpected twist, Xiaomi’s latest electric SUV, the YU7, comes with a surprising level of integration for… Apple users. Yes, you read that right. While most automakers stay cozily within their chosen ecosystems—Apple with Apple, Android with Android—Xiaomi’s embracing a more open approach. Its new vehicles, including the SU7 and YU7, now work more deeply with Apple devices than you might expect from a brand typically known for Android-heavy software.
This isn’t some half-baked “we support CarPlay” footnote. It goes further.
Apple integration that actually feels native
Let’s start with something small but meaningful: digital keys. If you own an iPhone that supports Ultra Wideband (UWB), you can now unlock a Xiaomi car with your phone. You don’t need to tap it or pair it with Bluetooth manually—the phone just needs to be nearby. That’s Apple Wallet-style integration, inside a Xiaomi vehicle.
There’s more. With Xiaomi’s Auto app, you can pre-condition the climate from your iPhone, even before stepping into the vehicle. That’s not unusual on its own, but Xiaomi goes a step further: if your iPhone has an Action Button, you can program that button to trigger in-car features remotely. For instance, one long press could start the AC or toggle charging status. That’s clever, and it’s not something we’ve seen even from automakers with “official” Apple partnerships.
Xiaomi’s app also supports Dynamic Island interactions—glanceable info like battery status or lock confirmation. It’s subtle, but a nice touch.
Not just iPhones—watchOS and iPads too
The integration doesn’t stop at phones. If you have an Apple Watch, you can control certain in-car functions from your wrist—think door locks, climate, perhaps even windows or horn. Xiaomi hasn’t detailed every command yet, but the point is: the watch is more than just a remote notification display. Even the iPad gets some attention. Rear seat passengers can mount iPads into dedicated brackets, transforming them into control panels or entertainment hubs. This could be a game-changer for long trips with kids—or anyone who wants something more than just built-in infotainment.
As for Apple Music and CarPlay, they’re here too—but with one noteworthy twist: CarPlay now requires a PIN code to activate, adding a layer of security that some users will appreciate, especially if they share the car with others.
Why this matters
For years, Xiaomi has been viewed as a “closed” company in many ways—deeply tied to its own software ecosystem, often a bit walled off. But with this move, it’s taking a step toward openness, and not just in theory. The execution is surprisingly thorough. Whether you’re deep in Apple’s ecosystem or you just happen to own an iPhone and a Xiaomi EV, the experience now feels far more seamless.
This could pressure other manufacturers—especially legacy ones—to rethink how they approach ecosystem boundaries. If Xiaomi can play nice with Apple, what’s stopping everyone else? And maybe that’s the bigger story here.
