Rivian Reportedly Readies Full Vehicle Control App for Apple Watch

Rivian is preparing to launch a dedicated Apple Watch application that would give drivers comprehensive remote control of their vehicle's cabin functions, according to a report from RivianTrackr. The standalone app would enable owners to lock or unlock doors, operate windows, and trigger the alarm directly from their wrist.

This development follows a software update late last year that first allowed the Apple Watch to function as a digital key for newer Rivian models. While that integration provided basic access, it lacked the broader command suite available on the smartphone app. The new application aims to close that gap, delivering full remote capabilities to the wearable device.

Insiders suggest the app will be included in Rivian's scheduled 2026.03 software release, paired with an update to the company's iPhone application. The forthcoming package is also expected to expand the digital key feature to include first-generation vehicles produced from 2021 through 2024, broadening compatibility.

Rivian has not publicly commented on the report. The move highlights the automaker's continued focus on refining its digital ecosystem, particularly for Apple users. However, a significant piece of Apple's software—CarPlay—remains absent from Rivian's dashboard, a gap also present in vehicles from competitor Tesla. While Tesla is said to be developing its own integration, Rivian's strategy for incorporating other Apple services is still taking shape.

Source: CNET