Electrical automobile maker Rivian will quickly launch a standalone Apple Watch app that lets drivers remotely management their automobile’s cabin, RivianTrackr reports. The app will reportedly let drivers unlock or lock doorways, open or shut home windows, or sound the alarm from their wrist.
A consultant for Rivian didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
The choice to launch an Apple Watch app follows a Rivian software update in December that enabled the Apple Watch to function a digital key for Gen 2 Rivian automobiles, such because the R1S and R1T. Whereas the Apple Watch may primarily be used as a wristband key to entry 2025 Rivian automobiles, it lacked the total performance of the iPhone app.
Apple Watch Rivian entry presently works via Apple’s digital pockets integration. However a standalone Apple Watch Rivian app would assist obtain function parity throughout units, bringing the iPhone app’s present distant capabilities to the smartwatch.
Moreover, the Apple Watch’s digital key performance will work with Rivian’s Gen 1 automobiles. Whereas the digital key presently solely works on fashions launched in 2025, the upcoming software program replace would reportedly allow it to work on fashions launched between 2021 and 2024.
If the report is correct, the standalone Apple Watch app shall be launched as a part of Rivian’s deliberate 2026.03 software program replace, bundled with the model 3.9 replace for the Rivian iPhone app.
Regardless of the rumored addition of a devoted Apple Watch app, key elements of the Apple ecosystem are nonetheless unsupported by Rivian — in addition to its rival, Tesla. Apple CarPlay would not presently combine with both firm’s electrical automobiles — although Tesla is reportedly hard at work to change that.
As Rivian continues to construct out its community of options for the Apple Watch, it stays to be seen how the corporate will assist different Apple units and options for its automobiles.
