Rivian owners will soon be able to access vehicle controls using their Apple Watch

Rivian is launching a new Apple Watch companion app next week that allows owners to control key vehicle functions directly from their watch, enhancing convenience for its tech-savvy, outdoors-oriented customers. The app enables users to lock and unlock doors, vent windows, and trigger the vehicle alarm, with more advanced features such as adjusting the temperature and setting a target battery charge via the watch’s digital crown. Users can also customize four quick controls for easy access. However, first-generation R1T trucks and R1S SUVs have limited functionality, allowing only locking and unlocking through manual app interaction, while second-generation R1 vehicles offer automatic unlocking when the driver approaches with a digital key set up. This Apple Watch integration is part of a broader Rivian mobile app update focused on improving vehicle performance and accessibility. Notable enhancements include a “kneel mode” that lowers the vehicle an additional inch, the ability to switch drive modes without disengaging advanced driver assistance systems, and a new cold weather indicator that visually shows