Hyatt and Apple introduce digital room keys that you can store in your iPhone's wallet

Say goodbye to the stress of losing or accidentally deactivating your plastic hotel room key, thanks to a new software upgrade for iPhones around the globe.

On Wednesday, Apple revealed its collaboration with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, marking Hyatt as the first chain to utilize the "Room Keys in Apple Wallet" feature, initially showcased in June at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference.

Through this partnership, iPhone users staying at selected Hyatt hotels can store their room keys directly in the Wallet app. Once configured, you can simply tap your phone to access your room and other hotel amenities that require a key, such as elevators, gyms, spas, or business centers.

You can even unlock your room using a paired Apple Watch, which is handy if you're out for a run and leave your phone behind, for example.

Initially, this new feature will be available at six Hyatt locations in the U.S. While a company representative couldn't specify when more properties will join, they assured that "Hyatt hotels will focus on... expanding this experience to more locations in the portfolio."

Below is the complete list of participating hotels. To utilize this feature, ensure that your iPhone is running iOS 15 and your Apple Watch is equipped with WatchOS 8.

• Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
• Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa
• Hyatt House Chicago/West Loop-Fulton Market
• Hyatt House Dallas/Richardson
• Hyatt Place Fremont/Silicon Valley
• Hyatt Regency Long Beach

To add your room key for an upcoming stay at Hyatt to your iPhone wallet, look for the "add your room key to Apple Watch" option on your reservation confirmation within the World of Hyatt mobile app. Your key will automatically activate after check-in, whether you check in at the front desk or use mobile check-in.

Apple's integration of room keys within the Wallet app offers a smoother and more powerful experience compared to the mobile key feature in the World of Hyatt app.

One major advantage—especially for families—is the ability to store keys for multiple rooms under a single pass in the Wallet app. This allows families and friends traveling together to access all rooms in a reservation without juggling multiple physical keys.

Moreover, your digital key can be updated remotely. If you're given a late checkout or choose to extend your stay, the front desk can easily update your key without you needing to go there in person. Importantly, the times and locations where you use your digital key are never shared with Apple, nor are they stored on the company's servers.

The room keys in Apple Wallet remain functional even if your iPhone runs out of battery—thanks to the power reserve feature, you can still tap your phone to unlock your room for up to five hours without a charge.

When you're ready to check out, your keys are automatically deleted from your device and marked as expired.

Adding hotel room keys to the Wallet app is the newest travel-friendly feature available on your iPhone. It complements the recently introduced Digital ID feature, allowing you to convert your physical driver’s license into a digital, TSA-approved version.

Additionally, with the latest iOS 15.1 update, you can now store a digitally verifiable vaccination certificate in the Wallet app, simplifying your entry to destinations and entertainment venues that require proof of vaccination.

In fact, you can even link your digital vaccine card to United's Travel-Reader Center for instant vaccine verification before your trip to the U.S. or any other country that mandates proof of vaccination.