Rivian Debuts Apple Watch App with Remote Controls, Gen 1 Digital Key
Rivian is enhancing the EV experience with its new Apple Watch app, which emphasizes remote access and control. This application follows the earlier support for Apple Watch as a digital key, which began in December 2022. The app caters specifically to Rivian’s electric vehicles, allowing users to manage various functions directly from their wrists.
Key Features of Rivian’s Apple Watch App
The Rivian Apple Watch app provides an array of features that streamline the way users interact with their vehicles. Here are some notable functionalities:
- Remote Control: Users can lock or unlock their vehicles with a simple tap.
- Vehicle Start: The app allows users to start their vehicles without using their phones.
- Window Venting: Users can vent the windows for ventilation.
- Alarm Activation: The app includes a feature to sound the alarm.
- Charging and Climate Control: Users can set cabin temperatures and charging targets.
Compatibility Details
The Apple Watch app serves as a digital car key for Rivian’s Generation 1 models produced between 2021 and 2024. However, full functionality, including the digital key feature, will be available with Generation 2 models released in 2025 and beyond. The app requires the Rivian mobile app version 3.9 or later to function correctly. Users must foreground the app on their Apple Watch when accessing vehicle controls.
Software Updates and Accessibility
Rivian’s new app comes as part of the 2026.03 software update. This update confirms the inclusion of the Apple Watch app within the Rivian ecosystem. The recent mobile app upgrade offers a seamless experience for users looking to maintain connectivity with their vehicles.
User Customization
Rivian’s Apple Watch app also features a customizable interface. Users can select up to four quick access controls for the functions they use the most, enhancing convenience while on the go. More detailed functionality can be accessed through the Owner’s Guide on the vehicle’s center display.
Rivian’s push into wearable technology signals a commitment to innovation in the electric vehicle space. This new Apple Watch app illustrates a growing trend of integrating smart technology into daily driving experiences, following similar moves by competitors.
