Rivian’s New Apple Watch App is Everything Tesla Owners Want

Electric vehicle automaker Rivian has officially released its dedicated Apple Watch companion app today, alongside its latest 2026.03 software update. The release allows R1T and R1S owners to control nearly every aspect of their vehicle from their wrist, effectively making it possible to leave an iPhone or physical keycard at home during outdoor adventures.

The new app is highly customizable, allowing users to choose up to four quick controls for their main watch screen. Drivers can lock and unlock doors, vent windows, or trigger the alarm with a single tap. For more precise adjustments, the Digital Crown on the Apple Watch can be rotated to set a target battery charge or dial in the perfect cabin temperature.

For first-gen (Gen 1) Rivian owners, the app is limited compared to the newest cars. By opening the app on their watch, Gen 1 drivers can unlock and drive their vehicle via a Bluetooth connection. But second-gen (Gen 2) owners get an even more seamless experience through passive entry. Once the digital key is configured, the vehicle automatically unlocks as the driver approaches, utilizing Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology to ensure the connection is secure and precise.

While Rivian owners are celebrating this phone-free freedom, the update highlights a significant gap in the Tesla ecosystem. Tesla currently relies on its proprietary Phone Key system, which uses a Bluetooth connection maintained by the Tesla app. This system can occasionally fail if the phone’s operating system kills the background app to save battery. There are third party apps such as Tessie that have Tesla phone key support, but it’s also no use if your Apple Watch or iPhone’s battery runs out.

If Tesla were to implement Apple’s native Digital Key (Apple Car Key) protocol (like Rivian, Toyota, BMW, etc) the key would reside in the iPhone and Apple Watch’s Secure Element. This would allow Tesla owners to use their devices just like a physical keycard. But the coolest and most helpful feature is Apple’s protocol includes a Power Reserve feature, meaning you could still unlock and start your Tesla even hours after your iPhone battery has died.

With Tesla on the verge of implementing support for Apple CarPlay in its vehicles, we might see further adoption of Car Key one day, hopefully.

Rivian is set to start deliveries of its new smaller R2 SUV sometime in the first half of 2026. Canadians have been able to reserve one by placing a $150 deposit.

Check out Rivian’s Apple Watch promo video below: