Rivian Announces Apple Watch App for Vehicle Control

Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer known for its adventure-oriented trucks and SUVs, announced on Thursday a new Apple Watch companion app that allows owners to control their vehicles directly from their wrists. The app, set to launch next week as part of an updated mobile application, enables users to perform tasks like locking and unlocking doors, venting windows, and activating the vehicle alarm without needing their smartphones. This integration arrives alongside a broader over-the-air software update, version 2026.03, which is already rolling out to Rivian R1T trucks and R1S SUVs.

The Apple Watch app extends key features from the iPhone application, optimized for the smartwatch's smaller display. Owners can customize up to four quick controls for their most frequent actions, such as adjusting the cabin temperature or setting a target battery charge level by turning the watch's digital crown. A dedicated complication option displays the vehicle's battery status at a glance and serves as a shortcut to the app. Setup is straightforward: updating the iPhone app automatically syncs the Watch version, requiring no additional configuration if previously connected.