Electric vehicle maker Rivian has rolled out a major software upgrade that brings a dedicated Apple Watch companion app to its ecosystem, giving owners a new way to interact with their vehicles right from their wrist. The Apple Watch app arrives as part of Rivian’s 2026.03 software update, the company’s first major update of the year, and extends its connected vehicle strategy beyond smartphones and in-car interfaces.
Vehicle control moves to your wrist
Until now, Rivian owners have primarily used the company’s iPhone app to check vehicle status, manage charging and adjust settings. With the new Apple Watch app, that control power moves onto your smartwatch, making it easier to handle everyday tasks without needing to reach for your phone. Owners can now lock and unlock doors, vent windows, trigger the alarm, adjust cabin temperature using the watch’s digital crown, and view battery charge status directly on their Apple Watch face.
A key convenience feature is the ability to set a target charging level straight from the watch – something that previously required specific steps on the phone app. The app also lets users customize up to four quick controls, ensuring the most-used functions are always within a single tap on the watch screen.
For owners of earlier Rivian vehicles (Gen 1 models), the Apple Watch app additionally enables digital key support when the Rivian app is updated, turning the watch itself into a secure means of accessing the vehicle. For later-generation EVs that already support digital keys via Apple Wallet, passive entry – where the vehicle unlocks automatically when you approach – is also compatible with the new app.
Why this matters in the age of connected cars
As modern vehicles become more like smart connected devices, the way drivers interact with their cars is evolving. A dedicated Apple Watch app reflects a broader trend of streamlining vehicle control by integrating it with personal tech many drivers already carry. This approach reduces friction and makes key functions accessible with minimal effort – whether you’re loading gear, walking toward your vehicle, or simply want to check status at a glance.
The update also underscores how Rivian – which does not support mainstream sync standards like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – is building its own connected ecosystem instead, focusing on tools tailored specifically for Rivian owners.
What you’ll notice practically
For everyday drivers, the Apple Watch app can make routine tasks more convenient. Instead of digging in pockets or bags for a phone, drivers can perform essential functions from their wrist. The glanceable battery readout – available as a watch complication – keeps range and charging info visible alongside watch faces and fitness data.
Setting climate preferences while approaching your vehicle on a cold morning or tweaking the charging target before a trip are now easier and faster than ever. For families or shared vehicles, quick access controls can also streamline key hand-offs or pre-trip checks.
What’s next for Rivian software
Rivian’s implementation of the Apple Watch app is part of a larger software-centric strategy that has seen regular over-the-air updates improve vehicle functionality since launch. The 2026.03 update also includes other enhancements like Sport Mode availability across all R1 AWD models and cold-weather range indicators, showing Rivian’s focus on practical features as well as advanced connectivity.
Looking ahead, more refined integrations with wearable tech and expanded on-wrist controls could become differentiators in the EV market, especially for brands like Rivian that build their own app infrastructure instead of relying on platform-level standards. As smartwatches become even more powerful, apps like Rivian’s may signal the future of how drivers control and interact with their vehicles.
