Rivian is preparing to launch a dedicated Apple Watch app that will allow drivers to control their electric vehicles directly from their wrist. According to early release notes, the app will support locking and unlocking, window control, alarm activation, and charging settings. The feature will work even with older Rivian vehicles dating back to 2021.
Apple’s Car Key system already allows iPhone and Apple Watch users to unlock supported vehicles. However, Rivian is choosing a different route. Instead of relying only on Apple’s built-in feature, the company is building its own companion app with expanded tools.
Features Go Beyond Basic Unlocking
The upcoming Apple Watch app will include more than simple door access. Drivers will be able to adjust cabin temperature, sound the alarm, and manage charging targets. Additionally, Rivian will let users select up to four quick controls for instant access to favorite actions.
These shortcuts aim to reduce friction during everyday use. For example, a driver could warm the cabin or unlock doors with a single tap. That level of convenience reflects Rivian’s push toward deeper software integration.
Older Rivian models will benefit most from the update. Vehicles built between 2021 and 2024 currently lack Apple’s digital Car Key support. The new app brings them closer to newer models that already support mobile unlocking.
Software Update Signals Broader Strategy
The Apple Watch feature appears inside Rivian’s 2026.03 software update notes. The release also references an updated iPhone app, which will host the watch companion. The new mobile version is tied to Rivian app version 3.9, though it has not reached the App Store yet.
Rivian previously rejected Apple CarPlay in favor of its own interface. Therefore, a custom Apple Watch app fits the company’s strategy. Rivian prefers full control over the in-car experience rather than handing features to outside platforms.
A Step Toward Wearable Vehicle Control
Wearable access represents a growing trend in connected vehicles. Drivers increasingly expect seamless interaction between personal devices and transportation. Rivian’s move suggests that automakers see smartwatches as natural extensions of car keys.
If the rollout succeeds, Rivian may influence how other EV companies approach wearable apps. For now, owners wait for the official release. However, the preview signals a future where cars respond instantly to a tap on the wrist.
