Rivian is about to launch a special app for the Apple Watch.
Car maker Rivian’s dedicated Apple Watch app is set to enable locking, unlocking, window adjustment and more, including on cars from 2021.
Apple’s Car Key feature allows iPhone and Apple Watch owners to unlock and start their cars using their mobile devices starting in 2020. The feature is built into iOS and is supported by more than 30 automakers, including Cadillac and other GM brands.
However, some automakers, such as Tesla, offer proprietary mobile apps that allow the same functionality to lock and unlock the vehicle. Now, Rivian is set to be the next brand to introduce a vehicle-related app for the Apple Watch with added functionality.
As he noted 9 a.m. to 5 p.mthe planned Apple Watch app is expected to support features such as cabin temperature and window settings. It will also allow Rivian users to trigger an alarm or set a charging target right from their wrist.
Older Rivian vehicles, specifically those from the 2021 to 2024 model years, will support locking and unlocking via the automaker’s Apple Watch app. This puts them in a position similar to the 2025 and later Rivian models, which can already be unlocked with Apple Car Key’s digital function.
Release notes for Rivian’s software update 2026.03, published by RivianTrackr, suggest that an Apple Watch app is in the works alongside a new version of the iPhone app.
“The latest update to the Rivian mobile app includes a companion app for your Apple Watch,” the description reads. “This will allow you to remotely access and control your vehicle from your Apple Watch.”
Customization options will also be available in the new Rivian app, allowing users to select up to four quick controls for instant access to their most used functions.
The release of the new Rivian app for Apple Watch is tied to version 3.9 of the iOS app, which is not yet available in the App Store. The company’s plans for a dedicated Apple Watch app come as no surprise, given that Rivian has similarly rejected CarPlay in favor of its own interface.