Rivian's Apple Watch App A New Contender in Vehicle Connectivity

Daily Technology

20/02/2026

Rivian has officially entered the wearable technology space with the launch of a companion app for the Apple Watch. This development allows owners to manage essential vehicle functions from their wrist, positioning the electric vehicle maker alongside competitors that have already integrated smartwatch controls into their ecosystems.

Core Functionality and Performance

The new application provides a suite of remote controls. Standard features include the ability to lock or unlock doors, vent the windows, and sound the vehicle's alarm. More advanced controls are managed via the Apple Watch's digital crown, which allows for precise adjustments to the cabin's climate control and setting a target state of charge for the battery. The interface is also customizable, permitting users to select up to four quick controls for instant access to their most-used features.

Functionality varies between Rivian's vehicle generations. For Gen 1 owners, the app enables vehicle access with a tap of the lock icon, and the vehicle is ready to drive as long as the app is open on the watch. Gen 2 vehicles leverage passive entry technology. After an initial digital key setup, the vehicle automatically unlocks as the owner approaches, offering a more seamless entry and start-up experience.

A Comparative Market Analysis

In the current electric vehicle market, smartwatch integration is an increasingly common feature. For instance, Tesla has long offered an Apple Watch app that provides similar core controls for locks, climate, and charging, along with its unique Summon feature. Other major automakers also offer smartwatch connectivity, though the depth of functionality can vary.

Rivian's approach appears to focus on deep integration with the Apple ecosystem and brand-specific design cohesion. The app visualizes the owner's specific vehicle color and model variation, and iconography is consistent with the main Rivian mobile app. The inclusion of brand elements, such as the Gear Guard yeti mascot, further personalizes the user experience. While it currently lacks a feature directly comparable to Tesla's Summon, its passive entry for Gen 2 models represents a significant performance benchmark for convenience.

Design and Future Outlook

The app is designed to be a direct extension of the Rivian experience on the iPhone. A key user-facing feature is the ability to add a battery status complication directly to a chosen watch face, making the vehicle's range constantly visible. Rivian has publicly stated that this is the initial version of the app and that it will be updated over time with new features, indicating a strategic commitment to evolving the platform and enhancing the connected vehicle experience.

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