Volkswagen of America has announced the integration of smartwatches with the myVW app-enabling car owners to manage essential vehicle functions directly from their wrist. This new feature supports both watchOS and Wear OS, allowing users quick access to key vehicle capabilities without reaching for their phone. The function is available for most models from 2020 onwards, including both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles, provided they are connected to the respective vehicle subscription plan.
To activate the capabilities, users must subscribe to the myVW+ service through the mobile app and select one of the available plans: Remote Access, Safe & Secure, or VW Vehicle Insights. Smartwatches can perform basic operations such as locking and unlocking doors, activating the horn and light signals, and checking the car’s status and lock status. For ICE vehicles, there’s additional remote start and stop engine functionality (if the feature is available) and fuel level monitoring. Electric vehicle owners can manage remote charging, track its status, and turn on or off climate control-if the vehicle is equipped with this option.
According to company estimates, the number of myVW users has been growing since launch, particularly among electric vehicle owners who actively use digital functions to monitor charging and plan trips. Expanding support to include smartwatches is a logical step in developing the connected car ecosystem. The technology does not require any additional equipment-all infrastructure operates through the existing communication channels of the vehicle and Volkswagen cloud services. The company states that data security is ensured through multi-level authentication and encryption of the connection between the watch, smartphone, and vehicle.
Latest insights from the automotive industry in 2025 highlight a significant shift towards further personalizing driver experience, enhancing digital integration that aligns with consumer preferences for seamless and more accessible vehicle management. This strategic move by Volkswagen not only aligns with current market expectations but also positions the company well in competition with peers like Tesla and General Motors, who are advancing in similar integrations and connectivity innovations.
