Rivian's latest iPhone app, version 3.9, introduces an Apple Watch companion app, offering a unique digital key experience for older R1T and R1S EV owners. While it's not a full-fledged digital key, it's a significant step forward in convenience. This feature allows owners to lock, unlock, and drive their cars without their phones or physical keys, provided they have a cellular-connected Apple Watch. However, it's important to note that this feature is not available for the 2025 and newer Rivian models, which support true digital key functionality. The digital key, compatible with a wide range of devices, including iPhone, Apple Watch, Google Pixel, and Samsung Android phones, is a standard feature on the Gen 2 R1T and R1S. The Apple Watch companion app, available for Gen 1 owners, requires the app to be open in the foreground to function, and it can also sound the alarm, set the state of charge, and adjust cabin temperature. As the app is not yet available in the app store, it's expected to launch in the coming weeks, marking a significant development in the EV industry's digital key technology.
