Even while Rivian isn’t working on CarPlay compatibility, the EV manufacturer has a few other features in the works that Apple aficionados will enjoy. Wassym Bensaid, the head of software development at Rivian, stated during a recent Q&A session that the business is now evaluating support for the ability to use an Apple Watch as a key for R1T and R1S vehicles.
Rivian discusses Apple Music, Apple Watch integration, and other topics.
Bensaid stated during the Q&A session that supports for “Apple Watch as a key is being actively looked into/tested” and is on the company’s “roadmap” for a future software update, according to a user on the Rivian Forums.
On the feature or timeline, no additional information was provided. It’s unclear whether Rivian will use Apple’s Car Key function or create its own unique solution.
Bensaid went into greater detail on Rivian’s choice to not support CarPlay during the event. In a recent interview, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe stated that the company’s choice to forego CarPlay was motivated by its ambition to serve as the “arbiter or head chef” of the in-car software experience.
Bensaid supplemented this explanation by stating that Rivian is working to natively incorporate several of the CarPlay capabilities, such as enhanced notification and text message functionality. Additionally, the business is attempting to enhance its own voice assistant, which Bensaid admits is “not the best.”
The corporation is attempting to integrate fresh audio and video streaming services with its own infotainment system, Bensaid concluded. Apple Music and Netflix would be examples of this, but Bensaid refrained from going into much detail about the matter because “it’s companies who have very big confidentiality requirements.”
Rivian also uploaded a video to YouTube that appeared to contain just a portion of the Q&A session. Check out that information below.
9to5Mac’s Opinion
These are the kinds of features Rivian needs to include if it wants to satisfy Apple enthusiasts and continue to oppose CarPlay support. Something that might be very compelling is “Apple Watch as a key.” Rivian would have an advantage over rival businesses like Tesla, which does not presently natively support utilizing an Apple Watch as a car key.
I’m hoping Rivian can deliver on these commitments. One of the most often requested improvements is Apple Music support, which Tesla currently provides.
