Rivian to activate Apple Car Key support for Gen 2 R1T and R1S soon

Rivian unlocks Apple car key feature

Rivian is preparing to activate Apple Car Key for its second-generation R1S SUV and R1T truck. According to MacRumors, Apple has already pushed support live, and Rivian will soon finalize its own side through a software update.

This will let drivers use their iPhone or Apple Watch to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles. It represents a big step in merging Rivian’s EV technology with Apple’s expanding digital ecosystem, enhancing convenience for owners.

How Apple car key actually works

Apple Car Key was introduced in 2020 as a digital replacement for traditional key fobs. It relies on NFC and, in some cases, Ultra Wideband technology to securely interact with vehicles.

Owners simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the car’s reader, and access is granted. Express Mode even allows the device to remain locked or in a pocket while still working as a car key.

Why Rivian’s launch was delayed

Rivian first announced Apple Car Key support when unveiling its second-generation R1 lineup in June 2024. However, the automaker delayed activation to refine software and align with Apple’s strict security requirements.

This included ensuring full compliance with encryption and biometric authentication, like Face ID and Touch ID. That slower approach meant customers had to wait longer, but security was prioritized.

Rivian confirms update is coming

Rivian software chief Wassym Bensaid said the company’s “next-generation digital key” would arrive in an over-the-air update. He confirmed it will only be compatible with Rivian’s second-generation models, which launched recently.

This means customers won’t need to visit dealerships for the upgrade, as it will roll out automatically. According to MacRumors, Rivian described the feature as “coming soon,” leaving anticipation high among owners.

What Rivian owners will gain

Rivian’s Apple Car Key allows locking, unlocking, and starting vehicles using Apple Wallet. It offers more seamless access compared to Rivian’s existing app-based “Phone as a Key” solution.

Owners can also share digital keys with family or friends through iMessage, giving customized access privileges. This adds practicality for households or drivers who frequently share their vehicles with others.

Gen 1 vs. Gen 2 compatibility

According to RivianTrackr, the new Car Key feature will only support Gen 2 R1T and R1S vehicles. That excludes Gen 1 owners, who will not receive Wallet integration.

The good news is that Rivian’s first-generation vehicles already support “Phone as a Key” through its dedicated app. While not as seamless as Wallet, it ensures older models aren’t left behind entirely.

Rivian embraces some Apple tools

Rivian has slowly welcomed Apple features into its vehicles, choosing ones that fit its vision of control and user experience. The addition of Apple Music with Spatial Audio gave drivers a richer, more immersive in-car entertainment option.

Now, Apple Car Key marks Rivian’s second major integration. It shows the automaker selectively embraces Apple’s ecosystem while rejecting others like CarPlay.

Why Rivian rejects CarPlay

Despite these integrations, Rivian continues to block Apple CarPlay from its vehicles. CEO RJ Scaringe explained in a 2024 interview that Rivian wants to retain full control of the user interface.

According to MacRumors, Scaringe argued that giving control to CarPlay would break Rivian’s seamless design. This makes Rivian one of the few automakers resisting CarPlay while still adopting other Apple features

Apple’s growing automaker network

Since 2020, Apple Car Key has gained the support of 33 automakers worldwide. Current compatible brands include Audi, BMW, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Lotus, and Mercedes.

Apple says future support is coming for Acura, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Lucid, Porsche, Smart, and Rivian. This puts Rivian in a growing group embracing Apple’s digital ecosystem.

Security designed for peace of mind

Apple Car Key employs end-to-end encryption, ensuring digital credentials remain protected. It also requires biometric authentication through Face ID or Touch ID for extra safety.

According to Apple, this reduces risks compared to traditional key fobs, which can be cloned or hacked. Rivian’s adoption of this system adds reassurance for customers investing in expensive EVs.

Adventure drivers benefit most

Rivian markets its R1T and R1S toward outdoor enthusiasts. Losing a traditional key on an off-road trip could cause major challenges.

The Apple Car Key will ensure that the owners can rely on devices they already carry, like phones or watches. This digital solution helps eliminate stress for adventure-focused Rivian drivers.

Power of over-the-air updates

Rivian will roll out Apple Car Key through its over-the-air software updates, a method that eliminates the need for dealership visits. Owners will simply wake up to find their vehicles enhanced with the new feature, adding convenience without extra effort.

This reflects Rivian’s long-term vision of upgrading cars beyond the showroom floor. Software-driven updates are transforming vehicles into evolving products, redefining ownership with continuous improvements.

Digital key sharing explained

Apple Car Key allows Rivian owners to share digital access with others through iMessage, creating a seamless and secure process. Recipients can receive keys instantly without needing to download a separate app or carry a physical fob.

These shared keys can also come with restricted permissions, such as limiting driving access or setting time windows. That flexibility makes the feature particularly useful for families with teenage drivers, rental situations, where multiple people regularly use the same vehicle.

Low battery support included

Apple says you might be able to use your car key with Power Reserve even after your iPhone needs charging, depending on your device. This ensures owners can still unlock and start their Rivian for several hours after the device shuts down.

The feature prevents stressful scenarios where drivers could be stranded due to a dead phone. With this safeguard in place, Rivian owners can feel confident they’ll always have access to their vehicle, adding an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

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Apple expands its influence

At Apple’s WWDC 2025, the company confirmed 13 more automakers would soon support Car Key in their vehicles. Rivian has begun moving toward activation, and Apple has already enabled backend support, placing it among the brands progressing after Apple’s WWDC update.

This expansion highlights Apple’s growing role in automotive technology. As digital convenience becomes an expectation, Car Key may quickly evolve into an industry standard across both electric and traditional vehicles.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.