The dedicated app—expected to debut soon—brings window, climate, and charging controls to the wrist for all Rivian owners
Rivian is preparing to expand its integration with smartwatches through a dedicated Apple Watch app, bringing a suite of remote vehicle controls to the wrist for the first time.
Spotted in the build for an upcoming 2026.03 software update by RivianTrackr, the app allows users to perform critical functions such as locking/unlocking doors, venting windows, sounding the alarm, and adjusting cabin temperature.
The app also features a customizable interface where drivers can pin up to four frequently used controls for instant access, along with a digital crown for setting precise charging targets.
A major highlight of the update is the introduction of Digital Key support for Gen 1 Rivian vehicles (model years 2021–2024). While newer Gen 2 models have supported Apple’s native Wallet-based digital key for some time, earlier models were previously restricted to using a smartphone as the primary key.
With this new app, Gen 1 owners can finally use their Apple Watch to start and drive their vehicle, provided the app is open and running in the foreground. This provides a much-needed parity for early adopters, allowing them to leave their phone behind during outdoor activities or quick errands.
The launch follows a similar move by Tesla, which introduced its own Apple Watch app last year, signaling a trend where EV manufacturers are treating the smartwatch as a primary interface.
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The app requires version 3.9 or later of the Rivian mobile app and will install automatically upon the iPhone update, though users must ensure the app is foregrounded on the watch for the digital key functionality to work reliably on older hardware. Stay tuned for the official rollout.
