Overview
- Rivian began deploying the feature on February 19 as part of mobile app version 3.9 linked to vehicle software 2026.03.
- Owners get wrist-based controls for doors, windows and alarm, plus Digital Crown adjustments for cabin temperature and charge target, four customizable quick controls, and a watch-face battery complication.
- Vehicle access differs by generation: Gen 2 supports passive entry via an Apple Wallet car key using Ultra Wideband, while Gen 1 requires opening the Watch app to lock or unlock and to drive, which can work phone-free with an LTE-enabled watch.
- Digital Key support spans Apple, Google Pixel and Samsung devices, with NFC available as a backup if a phone battery is depleted; first‑gen R1 models use app-based Bluetooth access rather than a system-level wallet key.
- The same update broadens performance and usability features, adding Sport Mode to more trims, expanding Launch Mode availability, lowering Kneel Mode further, keeping ADAS engaged when changing settings, and improving cold‑weather battery indicators and warming.