Rivian has released an update to its mobile application that introduces a companion app for the Apple Watch, allowing customers to access select vehicle controls directly from their wrists. The feature is available through the latest version of the Rivian app.
The electric vehicle maker said the watch app enables users to lock and unlock doors and trunks, roll down windows and trigger the alarm without needing to open their smartphones. In its announcement, the company said the Apple Watch app “practically allows users to control their cars right from their wrists, eliminating the need to pick up their phones for basic car controls.”
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Functionality differs depending on the vehicle generation. Owners of first-generation Rivian models can lock or unlock their vehicles by tapping a lock icon on the watch interface. For second-generation vehicles, the company said cars can automatically unlock as drivers approach, provided a digital key has been set up using a compatible iPhone and Apple Watch equipped with ultra-wideband (UWB) technology.
Additional features include the ability to adjust cabin temperature and set a target charge level using the Apple Watch’s digital crown for more precise input. Users can also add a battery status complication to their watch face and select up to four frequently used controls for quicker access. Rivian said further updates are planned, noting that “more features will be added to the Apple Watch app over time.”
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The companion app installs automatically once users update or download the latest version of the Rivian mobile app, according to the company.
Source: Rivian