Ford F-150 Lightning Phone As A Key Feature Still Being Tested

As Ford Authority reported back in May, the Ford F-150 Lightning has been slated to receive Phone As A Key functionality for some time now, a feature that does exactly what it sounds like – give owners the ability to use their smartphones as a key for the EV pickup. This type of feature is already available with some other vehicles such as those produced by Tesla, and has proven popular and convenient for many. However, it seems as if The Blue Oval’s Phone As A Key feature for the Ford F-150 Lightning isn’t quite ready for prime time, as vehicle engineering manager Dapo Adewusi recently revealed via Reddit.

While participating in an “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) session on the social platform, Adewusi was asked when the Phone As A Key feature might be available for the Ford F-150 Lightning, a reasonable ask as it was originally expected to launch with the EV pickup. “The team is finalizing PAAK to ensure the experience is good, stay tuned on that,” he responded, indicating that there’s still some work to be done before the feature rolls out to customers.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning will introduce a couple of minor changes for the new model year as the pickup ditches its AM radio and will launch with the carryover SYNC infotainment system, rather than the new Google Android-based software that’s coming for a variety of Ford models. An FX4 Off-Road Package will not be offered, however, as Ford Authority reported last week.

The F-150 Lightning remains one of the most considered electrified vehicles on the market with sales that continue to grow month-over-month. Dealer inventory is turning in a mere eight days, while the EV pickup’s top conquests are the Tesla Model 3, Model X, and Ram pickup.

We’ll have more on the F-150 Lightning soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, F-150 Lightning news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.