Racing to your R1T with arms full of groceries and a dead phone? Rivian’s upcoming Apple Watch app eliminates that particular suburban nightmare. The electric truck maker is rolling out dedicated watchOS functionality that brings remote controls and—crucially—digital key access to Gen 1 models for the first time.
Wrist-Based Control Finally Reaches Early Adopters
Gen 1 Rivian owners get their first official digital key solution through the companion app.
The app delivers everything you’d expect from a modern EV remote:
- Lock/unlock
- Window venting
- Alarm activation
- Cabin temperature adjustment via the Digital Crown
You can customize up to four quick controls for instant access to your most-used features. But the real breakthrough is digital key functionality for 2021-2024 R1T and R1S models, which lack the Ultra-Wideband hardware needed for Apple Wallet integration.
Here’s the catch—the app must be running in the foreground to unlock your truck, unlike Gen 2 models that work seamlessly through Apple Wallet. It’s a workaround, not an elegant solution, but it beats fumbling for your phone or keys during a downpour.
Catching Up in the Smartwatch Race
Rivian follows Tesla’s lead while addressing its own hardware limitations.
Tesla launched its Apple Watch app over a year ago, leaving Rivian owners watching enviously from the sidelines. Third-party solutions like the beta WaaKey app have filled the gap, but required logging into your Rivian account through unofficial channels—hardly ideal for your $80,000 truck.
The timing reflects broader industry recognition that your wrist is prime real estate for vehicle control. When you’re mid-workout or juggling kids and cargo, reaching for your phone shouldn’t be necessary to access your car.
What This Means for Your Daily Drive
The app arrives with Rivian mobile version 3.9 and vehicle software 2026.03.
This isn’t just feature parity—it’s Rivian acknowledging that early adopters deserve the same convenience as newer buyers. The app auto-installs when you update to version 3.9, requiring an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer. No subscription fees, no additional hardware purchases.
For an industry still figuring out the smartphone-EV relationship, Rivian’s approach shows that software can bridge hardware gaps. Your 2022 R1T might lack cutting-edge wireless tech, but it can still unlock from your wrist.
