Rivian launching Apple Watch app with remote controls and Gen 1 digital key feature – 9to5Mac

Back in December, Rivian released support for using an Apple Watch as a digital key. Next, the EV maker is launching a dedicated Apple Watch app with remote access and control capabilities.

Apple’s digital key feature puts 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 the iPhone app and bring it to the wrist.

For example, Rivian’s Apple Watch app also adds controls for venting windows, sounding the alarm, adjusting cabin temperature, and setting the charging target.

Rivian’s watch app also turns the Apple Watch into a digital car key for the first time for Gen 1 model EVs (2021-2024). The standalone digital key feature requires Gen 2 model EVs (2025 and later).

The Apple Watch app isn’t available just yet. The website RivianTrackr posted the Rivian 2026.03 software update release notes that confirm the app is coming.

The latest Rivian mobile app update includes a companion app for your Apple Watch. This allows you to remotely access and control your vehicle from your Apple Watch. Access to your vehicle is easy: you can lock or unlock your vehicle with a tap of the Lock icon. With the app open, you can start to drive.

NOTE: You must foreground the Apple Watch app to ensure that your Apple Watch can be used as a key for your Rivian vehicle.

You can also use the Apple Watch app to lock or unlock your doors, vent your windows, or sound the alarm, all within a simple tap of 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 the Owner’s Guide on the center display for more information about all the Apple Watch has to offer.

NOTE: The Apple Watch app requires version 3.9 or later of the Rivian mobile app.

Since Gen 2 Rivian EVs work with the Apple Wallet-based digital car key feature, release notes for Gen 2 don’t require launching the watch app.

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

Once available, updating the Rivian iPhone app to version 3.9 will automatically add the Apple Watch app.