Rivian is taking a step forward in technology by allowing its adventurous customers to leave their phones behind and control their vehicles using their Apple Watch. Announced recently, the company is set to release a companion app for the Apple Watch, integrated with the Rivian mobile app, next week.
This innovative feature will enable Rivian owners to execute essential functions such as locking and unlocking doors, venting windows, and activating the vehicle alarm directly from their wrist. Additionally, the app will offer more customizable options, allowing users to utilize the watch's digital crown to set a target charge level or adjust the vehicle's interior temperature. Users can also select four quick controls based on their preferences for easy access.
However, there are some limitations for owners of the first-generation R1T trucks and R1S SUVs. These users will need to open the app and tap the lock icon on their Apple Watch to lock or unlock their vehicles. In contrast, the second-generation R1 vehicles will feature an automatic unlocking system as the driver approaches, provided they have configured a digital key.
This Apple Watch integration is part of a broader update to Rivian's vehicle software system, enhancing performance and accessibility. Among the new features is a "kneel mode," which lowers the vehicle an additional inch from its previous low setting. Furthermore, drivers will now be able to switch between various drive modes without disengaging the advanced driver assistance system.
Another exciting addition is a cold weather indicator that will display a blue tint on the battery graphic on the vehicle's digital dashboard, helping drivers monitor how much energy is being used for heating purposes.
Rivian is not just focused on manufacturing electric vehicles; the company is also emphasizing software as a core product. This focus has attracted partnerships, such as the $5.8 billion technology joint venture with Volkswagen, which aims to develop software for future VW Group vehicles through 2027.