Big news for Rivian owners rocking iPhones: the company just dropped an upgrade that many have been waiting for! Now, owners of the R1T and R1S can unlock their trucks or SUVs with just their iPhones or Apple Watches, even if their devices are out of juice. It’s a fantastic convenience for tech enthusiasts! But hang on, because while Rivian is cranking up the Apple love, they’re still holding out on something that has many folks talking: CarPlay.
Using Apple to Unlock with Ease
The introduction of CarKey makes life a whole lot easier for Apple die-hards. You can pop your Rivian key into your Apple Wallet, share it through iMessage, or even open your doors and start the car using Express Mode – all without needing to unlock your phone. This move comes just when Rivian needed a win amid some not-so-great news, including a recent recall concerning a few R1T and R1S models due to a grounding issue that resulted in unexpected power loss. Bringing in Apple features shifts the focus from recalls to something more positive: tech tweaks!
Still Missing: CarPlay
Despite the buzz around CarKey, Rivian remains tight-lipped about incorporating Apple CarPlay. CEO RJ Scaringe made it clear that he’s not digging the idea of third-party systems, comparing adding CarPlay to mixing apples with oranges—namely, letting Apple run Windows. Rivian insists that their in-house software—eventually—will boast comparable features.
However, perception is everything. As Rivian talks up exciting plans like hands-free driving by 2026, the absence of CarPlay sticks out like a sore thumb for buyers who are more into playlist syncing than dreaming about their cars driving themselves.
Software Comes to the Forefront
While CarKey is grabbing the spotlight, it’s actually part of a larger tech evolution at Rivian. Earlier this summer, the brand released their most significant infotainment update, finally bringing an interface that feels as smooth as their hype suggested.
The previous lag that’s frustrated users is mostly a thing of the past; the system’s speed and reliability have noticeably improved. With CarKey in the mix, Rivian is getting closer to delivering the premium experience it promises.
In Conclusion
Rivian’s new Apple CarKey integration is great news for those using Apple devices, transforming phones and watches into handy keys. However, the bigger issue looms: why is Rivian still holding back on CarPlay? As it pushes through advancements in autonomy and software improvements, sidelining the one feature that many iPhone users desire could dampen the experience of owning a Rivian. Right now, drivers can easily unlock their trucks with Apple gear, but full Apple ecosystem integration remains just out of reach.
