Rivian Apple Watch App Review: Control Your EV from Your Wrist! (2026)

Bold headline: Rivian brings Apple Watch into the car ownership loop, letting you manage your vehicle from your wrist. But here’s where it gets controversial… the new app raises questions about privacy, convenience, and how deeply our wrists should control our cars.

Rivian has released an update to its mobile app, and with it arrives a dedicated Apple Watch companion. The official Rivian app page confirms the release, and Rivian’s own update post details what you can do from your wrist: lock and unlock doors, vent windows, activate the alarm, and adjust cabin temperature using the Apple Watch’s crown dial. In addition, you can monitor your vehicle’s battery status directly from your watch face, providing quick, at-a-glance information while you’re on the go.

This feature expands the ways you can interact with your Rivian, adding a layer of convenience for users who want to manage essential functions without pulling out a phone. It’s a practical reminder of how wearable tech is integrating more deeply with everyday mobility.

But there are points to consider. Reaching for your watch to secure your car or check battery life could be handy, yet it also introduces potential security and privacy concerns. How robust are the on-watch authentication methods? Could a stolen watch grant unintended access? And what about battery life and reliability of the watch app in different driving scenarios?

Questions to spark discussion: Do you view this as a real convenience upgrade or an unnecessary risk? How would you compare the on-wrist experience of Rivian’s app to competitors’ offerings? Share your thoughts in the comments: would you rely on a smartwatch to manage your vehicle day-to-day, or would you prefer keeping core controls on your smartphone or a dedicated car key?

Original credit: Andrew Liszewski | The Verge

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Rivian Apple Watch App Review: Control Your EV from Your Wrist! (2026)
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