Rivian releases Apple Watch app with remote control and 1st generation digital key functionality

Back in December, Rivian released support for using the Apple Watch as a digital key. Next, the EV manufacturer will release a dedicated Apple Watch app with remote access and control capabilities.

Apple’s Digital Key feature places a virtual car key inside the Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch. Digital car keys can be used to lock, unlock, and start compatible vehicles from automakers like Rivian.

By releasing a dedicated Apple Watch app, Rivian is able to take even more functionality from its iPhone app and bring it to your wrist.

For example, Rivian’s Apple Watch app also adds controls to ventilate windows, sound an alarm, adjust the cabin temperature, set charging goals, and more.

Rivian’s Watch app turns your Apple Watch into your car’s digital key for the first time for first-generation model EVs (2021-2024). Standalone digital key functionality requires a 2nd generation model EV (2025 or newer).

Apple Watch app is not yet available. The website RivianTrackr has posted release notes for the Rivian 2026.03 software update confirming that the app will be released.

The latest Rivian mobile app update includes a companion app for Apple Watch. This allows you to remotely access and control your vehicle from your Apple Watch. Access to the vehicle is easy. You can lock or unlock your vehicle by tapping the lock icon. You can start driving with the app open.

Note: To be able to use your Apple Watch as a key for your Rivian vehicle, the Apple Watch app must be running in the foreground.

You can also use the Apple Watch app to lock or unlock doors, ventilate windows, and set alarms with a tap from your wrist. For even more control, use the Digital Crown to set a target state of charge or adjust the cabin temperature. Additionally, the app’s customizable design lets you choose up to four quick controls for instant access to the features you use most. go to Owner’s guide The center display lets you learn more about all the features your Apple Watch has to offer.

Note: The Apple Watch app requires Rivian mobile app version 3.9 or later.

The 2nd generation Rivian EV works with Apple Wallet-based digital car key functionality, so you don’t need to launch the Watch app, 2nd generation release notes say.

Rivian’s Apple Watch app arrives just over a year after Tesla released its own version. Neither automaker supports Apple CarPlay, but Tesla is reportedly developing support.

Once available, the Apple Watch app will be automatically added when you update the Rivian iPhone app to version 3.9.