Older Rivian R1T And R1S EVs Are Getting Digital Key Assist–Kind Of

• Rivian’s newest iPhone app will include an Apple Watch companion app.
• The Watch app will permit homeowners of Gen 1 R1T and R1S EVs to regulate their vehicles with out having to take out their telephones or carry a bodily key.
• It’s not a full-blown digital key just like the Gen 2 R1S and R1T assist, however it’s the closest factor to it.

House owners of older Rivian R1S and R1T EVs will quickly have the power to remotely management their vehicles with out having to make use of their smartphones or bodily keys. That’s as a result of the most recent Rivian smartphone app for Apple iPhones, model 3.9, will add an Apple Watch companion app that may allow homeowners of the 2021-2024 R1T and R1S to lock, unlock, and drive their vehicles.

This, after all, implies that homeowners who wish to neglect concerning the bodily key must shell out no less than $299, which is what the most cost effective Apple Watch with mobile connectivity prices proper now within the U.S. That mentioned, some drivers would possibly already put on a cellular-connected Apple smartwatch, by which case it doesn’t price something additional to make use of the options.

Photograph by: Rivian

As reported by RivianTrackrthe discharge notes for the most recent smartphone app model point out that the smartwatch companion app must run within the foreground to be sure that the Apple Watch can be utilized as a key. To begin driving, the app must be open. The wrist app will also be used to sound the alarm, set a state of cost and alter the cabin temperature.

All of this being mentioned, this isn’t true digital key assist, a characteristic that comes customary with the Gen 2 Rivian R1T and R1S. On 2025 and newer Rivians, homeowners can retailer a digital key within the digital wallets of their smartphones, similar to a bank card. The automobile robotically unlocks when approaching, if the smartphone is within the driver’s pocket, and robotically locks when the motive force walks away. In contrast, Gen 1 homeowners might want to faucet on their Apple Watch display to lock and unlock their automobiles.

What’s extra, Rivian’s digital key is suitable with a wider vary of units, together with iPhone and Apple Watch in addition to Google Pixel and Samsung Android telephones. That mentioned, the most recent Apple Watch companion app can even be obtainable for drivers of the Gen 2 R1S and R1T.

Model 3.9 of Rivian’s smartphone app will not be but obtainable within the app retailer, however it’s anticipated to go stay within the coming weeks.