In December, Rivian released support for using the Apple Watch as a digital key. In addition, the EV manufacturer is launching a special application for Apple Watch with the possibility of remote access and control.
Apple’s Digital Key feature puts a virtual car key in the Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch. Digital car keys can be used to lock, unlock and start compatible vehicles from car manufacturers such as Rivian.
By releasing a dedicated app for the Apple Watch, Rivian is able to take even more features from the iPhone app and bring them to the wrist.
For example, Rivian’s Apple Watch app also adds controls for venting the windows, triggering the alarm, adjusting the cabin temperature, and setting a charging target.
The Rivian watch app will also turn the Apple Watch into a digital car key for EV Gen 1 (2021-2024) models for the first time. Standalone digital key functionality requires EV Gen 2 (2025 and later) models.
The Apple Watch app is not yet available. RivianTrackr has posted release notes for the Rivian software update 2026.03, confirming that the app is coming.
The latest update to the Rivian mobile app includes a companion app for your Apple Watch. This allows you to remotely access and control your vehicle from your Apple Watch. Accessing your vehicle is easy: you can lock or unlock your vehicle by tapping the lock icon. With the app open, you can start driving.
NOTE: You must have the Apple Watch app in the foreground to ensure that your Apple Watch can be used as a key for your Rivian vehicle.
You can also use the Apple Watch app to lock or unlock doors, ventilate windows, or set off an alarm, all with a tap on your wrist. For even more control, use the Digital Crown to set a target state of charge or adjust the cabin temperature. Additionally, the app’s customizable design lets you choose up to four quick controls for instant access to the features you use most. Go to Owner’s Guide on the center display for more information about everything Apple Watch has to offer.
NOTE: The Apple Watch app requires version 3.9 or later of the Rivian mobile app.
Since Gen 2 Rivian EVs work with Apple Wallet-based digital car key functionality, the release notes for Gen 2 do not require the watch app to run.
Rivian’s Apple Watch app comes just over a year after Tesla released its own version. Neither automaker supports Apple CarPlay, though Tesla is said to be developing support.
When available, updating the Rivian iPhone app to version 3.9 will automatically add the Apple Watch app.
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