Rivian has officially stepped deeper into the Apple ecosystem. With its 2026.03 software update, the electric vehicle maker introduced a dedicated Apple Watch app that allows R1T and R1S owners to control core vehicle functions directly from their wrist.
This isn’t a simple notification mirror of the iPhone app. The new Rivian Apple Watch app adds meaningful control, including digital key support, lock and unlock access, and customizable quick actions designed for everyday convenience and outdoor use. For drivers who prefer to travel light — hiking, surfing, or heading out on a trail — leaving both iPhone and physical keycard at home is now possible.
Digital Key on Apple Watch
The headline feature is digital key support. Once set up, the Apple Watch functions as an authenticated key for compatible Rivian vehicles. Owners can unlock and start their R1T or R1S without reaching for their phone.
To activate the feature, Rivian owners must first update their vehicle to software version 2026.03 and ensure the latest Rivian app version is installed on their iPhone. The Apple Watch app installs automatically if the paired iPhone supports it.
Setup typically follows this path:
On iPhone: Rivian app > Vehicle Settings > Keys > Add Digital Key > Follow pairing instructions
Once enabled, the Apple Watch communicates securely with the vehicle using encrypted protocols similar to those already familiar in modern digital key systems. Authentication occurs automatically when the user approaches the vehicle, streamlining entry and startup.
For owners who use their EV in outdoor environments, this small change removes friction. No pockets, no keycard, no phone in hand. Just a glance at the wrist and a door handle touch.
Vehicle Controls From the Wrist
Beyond unlocking, the Rivian Apple Watch app provides remote vehicle controls tailored for quick interaction. Users can:
- Lock or unlock doors
- Open the front trunk or tailgate
- Activate climate preconditioning
- Check vehicle status
The interface is intentionally simplified for the Apple Watch display. Large buttons, glanceable information, and customizable quick actions reduce the need for deep menu navigation.
Customization happens on the iPhone companion app:
Rivian app > Apple Watch Settings > Quick Actions > Select preferred controls
This makes it possible to prioritize the actions that matter most. A cold-weather commuter might place climate preconditioning first. An R1T owner loading gear may prefer direct access to the frunk or tailgate release.
Outdoor Convenience Without the Phone
The idea of leaving a smartphone behind has rarely felt practical. For Rivian drivers who spend time camping, mountain biking, or exploring remote areas, the Apple Watch becomes a lightweight control hub.
Wearable-based vehicle access reduces dependency on a fragile device during rugged activities. The watch stays strapped, weather-resistant, and always within reach. In that sense, the Rivian Apple Watch app feels aligned with the brand’s outdoor identity.
It also strengthens Rivian’s integration with the broader Apple ecosystem. Many R1T and R1S owners already use Apple Maps, Apple Music, and iPhone-based vehicle pairing. Extending that integration to the wrist creates continuity across devices.
A Connected Car Evolution
Connected vehicle apps have existed for years, but the shift toward full smartwatch control signals a more mature stage of integration. Rivian isn’t simply offering notifications; it’s enabling key-level access.
As vehicles increasingly rely on software updates, digital authentication, and over-the-air improvements, wearable devices become logical extensions of that system. The Apple Watch app aligns with trends seen across the automotive industry, where digital keys and app-based controls are replacing physical hardware.
For Rivian, this release demonstrates confidence in its software infrastructure. Delivering secure digital key functionality requires stable encryption, seamless vehicle communication, and reliable background authentication.
Owners who update to version 2026.03 gain more than a feature. They gain flexibility. Whether stepping out for a quick run, heading into the ocean, or simply walking the dog without pockets, the vehicle remains accessible.
The Rivian Apple Watch app doesn’t transform the vehicle experience overnight. It refines it. And in a world where mobility and wearables increasingly overlap, that refinement carries weight.
