Electric vehicle maker Rivian is developing a dedicated Apple Watch app to let owners control their vehicles from their wrists. The app, part of the 2026.03 software update tied to Rivian mobile app version 3.9, will allow users to lock/unlock doors, vent windows, sound alarms, and adjust cabin temperature using the Digital Crown.

The customizable interface lets users pin up to four quick controls for instant access to their most-used features. This wrist-based control system effectively extends vehicle access to Rivian's first-generation models from 2021-2024, which cannot use Apple's built-in Wallet-based digital key independently. While Rivian added Apple Wallet support in December for newer second-generation models starting with 2025 vehicles, older models will gain this functionality through the new app.

For newer vehicles, the digital key works without launching the Apple Watch app via Wallet, but first-generation vehicles will require the app to be open for functionality. This update bridges a significant gap for early Rivian adopters, giving them the same wrist-based convenience that newer model owners already enjoy through Apple's native digital key system.