Electric vehicle maker Rivian has launched a major software upgrade that integrates a dedicated Apple Watch companion app into its ecosystem, giving owners a new way to interact with their vehicles directly from their wrist. The Apple Watch app arrives as part of Rivian’s 2026.03 software update, the company’s first major update this year, expanding its connected vehicle strategy beyond smartphones and in-car interfaces.
Vehicle controls shift to your wrist
Previously, Rivian owners primarily used the company’s iPhone app to check vehicle status, manage charging and adjust settings. The new Apple Watch app shifts that control power to your smartwatch, making it easier to complete everyday tasks without having to pick up your phone. Owners can now lock and unlock doors, vent windows, sound the alarm, adjust cabin temperature using the watch’s digital crown, and view battery charge status directly on the face of their Apple Watch.
An important convenience feature is the ability to set a target charge level directly via the watch – which previously required certain steps in the phone app. The app also allows users to customize up to four quick controls to ensure the most frequently used features are always available with a single tap on the watch screen.
For owners of previous Rivian vehicles (Gen 1 models), the Apple Watch app additionally enables digital key support when the Rivian app is updated, making the watch itself a secure means of accessing the vehicle. For later-generation electric vehicles that already support digital keys via Apple Wallet, passive access – where the vehicle automatically unlocks as you approach – is also compatible with the new app.
Why this is important in the age of connected cars
As modern vehicles become more intelligent connected devices, the way drivers interact with their cars is evolving. A dedicated Apple Watch app reflects a broader trend to streamline vehicle controls by integrating with personal technology that many drivers already carry. This approach reduces friction and makes important features accessible with minimal effort – whether you’re loading luggage, walking to your vehicle, or simply checking status at a glance.
The update also highlights how Rivian – which doesn’t support mainstream sync standards like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – is instead building its own connected ecosystem, focusing on tools tailored specifically for Rivian owners.
What you will notice practically
For everyday drivers, the Apple Watch app can make routine tasks more convenient. Instead of rummaging through pockets or pockets for a phone, drivers can perform essential functions from their wrist. Thanks to the clear battery display – available as a watch complication – range and charging information as well as dials and fitness data are visible.
Setting climate preferences as you approach your vehicle on a cold morning or optimizing your charging destination before a trip is now easier and faster than ever. For families or shared vehicles, quick access controls can also simplify key handover or pre-trip checks.
What’s next for Rivian software?
Rivian’s implementation of the Apple Watch app is part of a broader software-centric strategy that has enabled regular over-the-air updates to improve vehicle functionality since launch. The 2026.03 update also includes other improvements such as the availability of Sport mode for all R1 AWD models and cold weather range indicators, demonstrating Rivian’s focus on practical features as well as expanded connectivity.
Looking forward, refined integrations with wearable technology and advanced wrist controls could become differentiators in the electric vehicle market, especially for brands like Rivian that are building their own app infrastructure rather than relying on platform-level standards. As smartwatches become more powerful, apps like Rivian’s could be a sign of the future of how drivers control and interact with their vehicles.
