smart #5 OTA Update Adds Apple Wallet Key and Enhanced Safety Features

• Additional car access option with Apple Wallet key on iPhone and Apple Watch, with easy key sharing for family and friends.
• Enhanced driver distraction warnings provide greater support for attentive driving across a wider range of driving situations.
• Improved Drive Setup performance and stability make it easier and more intuitive to adjust, control and reset driving settings to suit individual preferences.

September 16, 2026, Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany. Drivers of the smart #5¹ can now benefit from a new over-the-air update, that enables to unlock and start their vehicle directly with a digital key in Apple Wallet² on iPhone and Apple Watch. The Hello smart app is not required for that additional access option. The new European software version, OS 2.3.0 EU, also introduces enhanced driver distraction warnings to support greater focus on the road, alongside further refinements designed to make every journey more intuitive, convenient and safe. The update will be rolled out across all European markets by mid-September 2026.

The smart #5 car key, now in Apple Wallet

With this OTA update, the smart #5 introduces Apple Wallet Key – a digital vehicle key stored directly in Apple Wallet that makes accessing the car more seamless. A tap of a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch is all it takes to unlock the smart #5 and to use the new function.

Compatible iPhone and Apple Watch users can unlock, lock and start their smart #5 without opening an app, carrying a key fob or even taking their phone out of their pocket. With hands-free approach and walk-away locking, as well as easy digital key sharing, everyday access becomes more effortless and convenient. Setting up the Wallet Key is straightforward and can be done either through the Hello smart App or directly via the vehicle’s central display. Sharing access is equally simple. The digital key can be shared with other users, who do not need their own smart account to receive it. If access needs to be withdrawn, shared Wallet Keys can be easily revoked via Apple Wallet or the Hello smart App, keeping control firmly in the owner’s hands.

Enhanced driver distraction warning for added safety

The new OTA update enhances the driver distraction warning related to the passenger display area, helping drivers stay focused on the road across a wider range of driving situations. The feature is now active in all gear positions of the smart #5 except “Park”.

If the system detects that the driver is continuously looking towards the passenger display area while the vehicle is in motion, a warning notification appears. This enhancement is designed to help reduce driver distraction and support a safer, more focused driving experience.

Improved Drive Setup performance and overall user experience

The update for the smart #5 also improves Drive Setup stability and performance, making it smoother and more reliable to adjust driving settings. Enhanced control and reset functionality make it easier for drivers to personalise their setup and tailor the driving experience to their preferences.

With the latest OTA update, smart continues to develop the smart #5 beyond delivery and adapt the vehicle experience to customer needs. This release reflects smart’s commitment to continuous software development, intuitive digital features and the long-term value of the vehicle – in line with the brand’s ambition to create open, inspiring and progressive mobility experiences.

Disclaimer

¹Energy consumption combined in kWh/100 km (WLTP): 18.4(Pro+/Pro+ Black Collection /Premium), 18.5 (Pro), 19.9 (BRABUS/Pulse/Summit Edition/Premium AWD); CO₂ emissions combined (while the car is in operation) in g/km (WLTP): 0; CO₂ class: A; electric range (WLTP) in km: 590(Pro+/Pro+ Black Collection/Premium), 465 (Pro), 540(BRABUS/Pulse/Summit Edition/Premium AWD).

²Apple Wallet Key is available for the smart #5 only. Supported devices are iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max and all iPhone 12 models or later with iOS 18.0 or later, as well as Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 11 or later.