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Rivian to Offer iPhone Car Keys in Apple Wallet App Later This Month

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Apple Wallet car key support is coming to Rivian's second-generation R1S and R1T electric vehicles with a 2025.46 software update later this month, according to the company's software chief Wassym Bensaid. He did not provide a specific date.

Rivian iPhone Car Keys in Apple Wallet Feature
This feature will allow you to remotely unlock, lock, and start a second-generation R1S or R1T with an iPhone or Apple Watch, without needing to use the Rivian app. Express Mode will be supported, meaning you can keep your iPhone in your pocket as you approach the vehicle, as unlocking the device with Face ID is not required.

Rivian is implementing a newer version of the feature with Ultra Wideband technology for passive entry, eliminating the need to place your iPhone near an NFC reader.

Rivian Apple Wallet Car Key
If your iPhone battery runs out, a Power Reserve feature ensures the Apple Wallet key can still be used for up to five hours after the device shut off.

You can share an Apple Wallet car key with up to eight family and friends via AirDrop or any messaging app, such as the Messages app or WhatsApp.

Apple Wallet car keys will not be supported in Rivian's first-generation R1S and R1T vehicles that were built through the 2024 model year.

Despite implementing Apple Wallet car key support, Rivian remains opposed to CarPlay. The electric vehicle maker does offer a built-in Apple Music app with a Connect+ subscription, which costs $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year.

Tags: Apple Wallet, iPhone Car Keys Guide, Rivian

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Top Rated Comments

alexandr Avatar
alexandr
8 months ago

Well you need an internet connection to stream the music don't you? That's what connect+ is..... In order to use Apple music on your phone when away from your house wi-fi, don't you pay a mobile provider for data? This is no different
But if he's already paying his provider for that in the form of unlimited (or limited) data, why would he need to pay the car maker on top of that? :)
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A
Alan Wynn
8 months ago
In summary, in order to be able to use my Apple Music subscription, for which I am already paying, I need to pay them $15 a month. No wonder they do not want me to have CarPlay. Currently in the market for a new car, one I can check off my list.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mattopotamus Avatar
mattopotamus
8 months ago

I'm not understanding the benefit of these iPhone keys. "...meaning you can keep your iPhone in your pocket as you approach the vehicle" I already do that with my Rivian and it automatically unlocks and let me drive without getting the phone out of my pocket or opening the Rivian app. What does this add?
The article says this, "Rivian is implementing a newer version of the feature with Ultra Wideband technology for passive entry, eliminating the need to place your iPhone near an NFC reader."

If it's like Tesla, using UWB tech makes a huge difference in terms of reliability. I can't remember the last time the phone key didn't work or made me unlock my phone. That wasn't always the case prior to UWB.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KRG Avatar
KRG
8 months ago

Because he's paying the provider for data on his phone, that has nothing to do with the car. You can't get one data plan from Verizon and use it on multiple devices can you? You have to pay for several data plans, one for each device
People don’t want to use logic. I get why CarPlay is desired (though I hate it) but you’re not required to pay for anything to connect your phone. People went a decade connecting their phone via Bluetooth pre CarPlay and were fine. Now everyone acts like carmakers NEED to implement Apples software or they’re evil.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
L
lefkonj
8 months ago
So you know the $15 a month is not just for Apple Music but several other services which is becoming common place in vehicles.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
anthonymoody Avatar
anthonymoody
8 months ago

But if he's already paying his provider for that in the form of unlimited (or limited) data, why would he need to pay the car maker on top of that? :)
Because...and stay with me here...you don't have to. Just set up a macro to automatically connect to your iPhone or android hotspot when you get in the rivian. Poof. Internet and the ability to stream Apple Music on the app in the rivian system.

Source: did this for my wife's iPhone and my android. Works every time. You can also set it to disconnect when you walk away.

Instructions on how to set this up are easily found.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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