Rivian has officially launched its Apple Watch companion app, bringing wrist-based vehicle controls to R1 owners for the first time.
The Rivian app update follows a separate OTA software update, 2026.03.
Rather than acting as a simple notification mirror, the app functions as a true companion — offering direct vehicle controls without requiring your iPhone to be in hand.
With the new Apple Watch app, Rivian owners can:
- Lock or unlock doors, including hood and trunk
- Vent windows
- Trigger the alarm
- Activate and adjust cabin temperature
- Set a target state of charge
- Customize up to four quick-access controls
The interface isn’t static — R1S or R1T can personalize which four features appear as quick controls, tailoring the experience to their own daily habits.
The ability to set a charge target directly from the Digital Crown is a subtle but clever implementation. Instead of navigating through menus on a phone screen, you can scroll your wrist to dial in the exact percentage you want.
One of the most significant additions to this Apple Watch rollout is expanded Digital Key functionality for all Rivian EV owners. You may have to set up the Digital Key again on your phone, but it seamlessly connects to your Apple Watch thereafter, enabling the passive entry you nay have been accustomed to with your iPhone… without the phone.
Accessing your Rivian and driving is easy: Gen 1 drivers can lock or unlock their vehicle with a tap of the “lock” icon, and with the app open, you’re ready to drive.
Gen 2 customers have passive entry; once your digital key is set up, you can just walk up to your Rivian, and it will automatically unlock as you approach, allowing you to get in and go.
Rivian didn’t just shrink its phone UI to fit a smaller screen for Apple Watch users. The new app mirrors the visual language of the main Rivian app, creating a consistent design ecosystem that is easy to navigate and understand.
Following the app update, Rivian owners can:
- Add glanceable battery status to their watch face
- See their specific vehicle color and configuration visualized
- Access Climate, Energy, and Gear Guard controls with familiar iconography
- Even spot the Gear Guard Yeti making an appearance on the tiny display.
According to Rivian, this initial Apple Watch launch is only the beginning. The American automaker plans to continue evolving the app with additional features over time.
