2026.03

Software 2026.03 is a meaningful update for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1 vehicles, bringing clearer cold weather range insights with new battery shading, proactive notifications, and improved charging logic to better prepare the pack in low temps. Performance Dual and Quad models gain Launch mode with track stats, Sport mode expands across Dual variants, Kneel Mode becomes more responsive and easier to trigger, and the entire interface gets smoother thanks to an upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.5, all alongside a new Apple Watch app for remote control and a series of infotainment and driver assistance refinements  .

First Noticed Public Release

Introducing Autonomy+Gen 2 Only

Autonomy+ is an optional upgrade that is available on our latest vehicles and features an even broader set of enhanced driving assistance capabilities. Existing owners are automatically enrolled in a 60-day trial of Autonomy+. At the end of the trial, you'll have the option to add Autonomy+ to your vehicle as a monthly subscription or one-time purchase.

Learn more about Autonomy+ at rivian.com/autonomy and sign up from your rivian account page or the Rivian mobile app (version 3.9 or higher).

NOTE

R1S Quad-Motor Launch Edition vehicles include lifetime subscription to Autonomy+.

Cold Weather Improvements

We have made several improvements to give you better visibility into how cold weather can affect your vehicle energy, or range, and what you can do to manage it.

  • The vehicle and the Rivian mobile app now let you know when, and by how much, your range is affected by cold weather.
  • The driver display, Energy app, and Rivian mobile app include a battery graphic that uses blue shading to indicate how much energy is temporarily unavailable.
  • The vehicle and the Rivian mobile app provide preemptive notifications when your vehicle is most susceptible to range loss and when your range has reduced due to battery becoming cold.
  • When your range is impacted or may become impacted, you can open a guide in the Rivian mobile app which provides insight on improving your experience in cold weather. It includes information on how to recover range due to cold and other useful tips, like scheduling your drive, using Snow mode, and conditioning the cabin before driving. You can also access the Winter Driving Tips guide in the support articles at rivian.com/support/vehicle-docs.
  • We improved charging logic to better prepare the battery pack for your next drive and help recover energy more predictably.

NOTE

Cold-weather and range loss notifications require version 3.9 or later of the Rivian mobile app.

Apple Watch App

The latest Rivian mobile app update includes a companion app for your Apple Watch. This allows you to remotely access and control your vehicle from your Apple Watch. Access to your vehicle is easy: you can lock or unlock your vehicle with a tap of the Lock icon. With the app open, you can start to drive.Gen 1 Only

The latest Rivian mobile app update includes a companion app for your Apple Watch. This allows you to remotely access and control your vehicle from your Apple Watch. Access your vehicle is easy: passive entry is automatically enabled if your digital key is set up. Walk up to your vehicle, and it automatically unlocks as you approach. Then you can start to drive.Gen 2 Only

NOTEGen 1 Only

You must foreground the Apple Watch app to ensure that your Apple Watch can be used as a key for your Rivian vehicle.

You can also use the Apple Watch app to lock or unlock your doors, vent your windows, or sound the alarm, all within a simple tap of your wrist. For even more control, use the Digital Crown to set a target state of charge or adjust the cabin temperature. Additionally, the app's customizable design lets you choose up to four quick controls for instant access to the features you use most. Go to the Owner's Guide on the center display for more information about all the Apple Watch has to offer.

NOTE

The Apple Watch app requires version 3.9 or later of the Rivian mobile app.

Exciting New Updates for Drive Modes

We further enhanced the driving experience:

  • Performance Dual-Motor and Quad-Motor now offer Launch mode, which is designed for use on a closed circuit track in dry road conditions and provides racing states for 0-to-60 mph (0-to-100 km/h) and quarter-mile race times, along with visualizations and driver coaching. Go to Driver Modes and choose Sport mode on the center display. Then choose Launch mode and follow the on-screen instructions. For more information and important warnings, go to the Owner's Guide and search for Launch mode.Gen 1 Only
  • Performance Dual-Motor now offers Launch mode, which is designed for use on a closed circuit track in dry road conditions and provides racing states for 0-to-60 mph (0-to-100 km/h) and quarter-mile race times, along with visualizations and driver coaching. Go to Driver Modes and choose Sport mode on the center display. Then choose Launch mode and follow the on-screen instructions. For more information and important warnings, go to the Owner's Guide and search for Launch mode.Gen 2 Only
  • Sport mode is now available on all Dual-Motor variants. Sport mode prioritizes on-road vehicle performance and optimizes responsiveness and handling in all-wheel drive.
  • Sport mode now offers Standard ride height.
  • Sport mode now offers Firm and Moderate ride feel settings to more accurately reflect the vehicle's performance.
  • For Quad-Motor, we have increased the top speed in Rock Crawl mode to 33 mph (53 km/h) to enable more usability between obstacles on trail.Gen 1 Only
  • For Quad- and Tri-Motor, we have increased the top speed in Rock Crawl mode to 33 mph (53 km/h) to enable more usability between obstacles on trail.Gen 2 Only
  • You can now change between all on-road drive modes and adjust ride height, ride feel, and brake regeneration settings while Adaptive Cruise Control and Highway Assist are engaged.Gen 1 Only
  • You can now change between all on-road drive modes and adjust ride height, ride feel, and brake regeneration settings while Adaptive Cruise Control and Universal Hands-Free are engaged.Gen 2 Only

Enhanced Kneel Mode

Getting in and out of your vehicle just got a whole lot smoother. We've redesigned Kneel Mode to be more responsive, more accessible, and available exactly when you need it.

  • Kneel Mode now handles more challenging parking spots with ease, on steeper slopes up to 15% grade and uneven surfaces up to 25% side-tilt.
  • Your vehicle will now lower even further in Kneel Mode, making it easier than ever to enter, exit, or load gear.
  • We've re-engineered our algorithms so your vehicle can now kneel from High ride height and across all on-road drive modes, including All-Purpose, Sport, Conserve, and Snow.
  • You can now trigger Kneel Mode on demand via a new Quick Control option to activate the lowering process while traveling at low speeds, less than 20 mph (32 km/h).
  • If Kneel Mode isn't available due to specific conditions, we'll let you know whey. If the Kneel icon is greyed out in your Quick Controls, simply choose it to learn more about why Kneel is unavailable.

Thanks, Cambry, for the feedback!

Unreal Engine 5 Upgrade

We upgraded our software to use Unreal Engine 5.5 for the three-dimensional renderings s how on the driver and center displays, including the Driver Assistance view and apps such as Drive Modes and Settings. Improvements include better anti-aliasing, smoother animations, and increased capability to render a larger number of surrounding vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians on the driver display.

Additional Improvements

  • Florida Power & Light FPL Evolution charging locations with real-time status and speed information now appear in maps and navigation.
  • Fixed an issue that caused Universal Hands-Free to issue take over requests when approaching toll gantries.Gen 2 Only
  • Find an issue that caused Universal Hands-Free to not automatically re-engage after a manual lane change.Gen 2 Only
  • Advanced the timing of notifications when approaching traffic lights and stop signs while Universal Hands-Free is active.Gen 2 Only
  • Updated notifications for Universal Hands-Free.Gen 2 Only

Infotainment

  • Fixed an issue that caused the FM radio to be stuck in a reconnecting state.
  • Addressed several display and layout issues on the Drive Modes Gauges view.
  • Fixed an issue that caused the infotainment system to crash when you swiped on the Drive Modes screen.
  • General stability and performance enhancements.

Apple Music

  • Audio quality automatically adjusts based on your connection speed to help reduce buffering events.
  • Improved auto-play behavior upon reentry in low connectivity scenarios.Gen 1 Only
  • Improved the ability for the vehicle to power on when the 12 V battery voltage is low.Gen 1 Only
  • Improved control of the 12 V battery depth of discharge.Gen 1 Only
  • Improved 12 V battery health diagnostics by checking battery state of power when the vehicle wakes up.Gen 1 Only
  • Fixed an issue that deployed door handles when the vehicle switched from Drive to Park when Car Wash mode is active.Gen 2 Only
  • Fixed an issue that kept rearview guidelines and camera buttons from appearing in live camera views on the center display.Gen 2 Only

34 Comments

  1. How much lower does it kneel?

    Would love to see a tuner mode for dual performance and tri-motor variants. At least an accelerator pedal curve adjustment would be nice.

    • One would assume to lowest, since that’s only slightly lower than low and also the next and final position.

      • Makes sense but was considering that it could potentially go lower than “lowest” since that’s used in performance mode while driving and this would be at slow to zero speed, which would could allow for more reduction in height.

  2. The one thing I’ve really been holding out for, is launch mode for my gen 1 quad. Thank you, Rivian! Thank you, assuming they raised the top speed limiter when in launch mode.

    • You and I are cut from the same cloth. Been chomping at the bit for this since day 1. Although, w/o a high enough speed limiter it’s still going to be a disappointment. Honestly, that’s the bigger peeve. Watching a Porsche something or other suddenly start getting bigger in my mirror has been one of the worst moments of my life!

  3. What about the AI features they said were coming early 2026? For the past 4 years, all I’ve wanted was hands free text integration.

  4. What about the faulty mirroring? When my phone is connected and I try mirroring, I tap on Rivian and the name Rivian flashes but it never mirrors. Took it to the SC and was told it is a software issue.

    • i had this issue and resulted in reddit post and was told by service center that it’s a soft ears issue

      reddit post:
      i want to start of by Happy New Years everyone

      So i had this issue for awhile now, Summer 2025 – Currently it’s ongoing issue

      my casting from every app besides youtube freezes up my infotainment system entirely and my gauge (where’s speed is) always shows my car restarted and then go on to say it’s a error

      my first try to diagnose is seeing like the app settings in my iphone

      i’ve tried different iPhones and android phones as well

      took it in service, they found no issue while they were testing my car along with other services

      however when i received my car back i checked the casting problem to see if it was still an issue in front of the service center, it froze up, then i went back in inside the center to show them and they seen how it freezes up so then they suggest to update the software to 2025.46 which was not out until 2-3 days after this did fix the issue but not completely. sometimes it works and i have to basically keep changing my volume for it to not freeze up other wise it does and some days it doesn’t want to work at all

      i find myself using this feature sometimes if anyone have any troubleshooting tips or any tips pls let me know

      only reason i come to reddit abt this at the moment is because i cant give the car in service for long periods of time due to colleges starting and i need transportation, meanwhile rivian do provide loaner vehicle at my location rarely any are available through rivian. they do offer enterprise but with heavy prices on gas (talking from experience) so if anyone have any advice it will be much appreciated

      thank you

      update: youtube app and twitch works flawlessly. one trick that sometimes get it to work is when it starts casting i keep changing volume and it freezes little but sometimes it works. it’s a hit or miss but only solution i came up with

  5. Lower kneel mode sounds great, but my 20s already rub on the fender when turning in kneel mode. I wonder if they will rub while going straight in a lower kneel mode.

  6. Adding that my R1T takes a minute or so to come out of kneel mode when I am backing out of my long driveway. Thats when I get the rubbing.
    Jose, Looking forward to your review of the new 2026. 03 OTA.

  7. Love an adjustment option to side mirror lowering on reverse to only lower on the sidewalk side so can still use street view for tracking oncoming vehicles. Is this possible using cameras and other sensors?

    • Are you saying it would recognize the side of the vehicle the sidewalk is on and tilt only that mirror? I think , in the set up for the reversing mirror behavior, you can tell the operation to engage left and right or only one of the two for tilt in reverse (today). I have a Gen 1 quad for reference.

  8. Great updates. The digital key not opening, closing doors continues to be an issue. How about fixing the issue with new digital key not working in passive mode despite having iPhone 15+, deleting/ibstalling app; deleting key, reinstalling key; rebooting iPhone actions to no avail.

    • My phone-as-a-key unlocks and locks my 2023 R1T, but I can’t drive with it. Screen tells me to present a key or fob. PAK worked up until 4 weeks ago.

  9. What about a resume button for the cruise control? That’s been promised for several years.

    • That would be nice…all of the cars I’ve owned over the years have had this feature, funny how Rivian can’t seem to get it to work.

  10. Hi. Is the 2026 R1S hardware capable of connecting to 5G? There is a Qualcomm video that says it is. Could 5G connectivity be added in a future software update?

  11. Is there an upcoming fix for approaching a stop light without a car in front of you? I find it annoying and possibly dangerous, due to forgetting that without a car in front of me, my Rivian will not stop at a stop light while in universal hand free driving.

    • A “fix” would imply something isn’t working as expected. In this case, you’re expecting the Rivian to do something it wasn’t intended to do, and this limitation has been documented and repeated by Rivian several times (user manual, website etc….).

  12. Will there be an update for my Rivian to automatically adjust either left or right when driving in universal handsfree, when the adjacent vehicles from either sides gets close to their driving line?

  13. update for my Rivian to automatically adjust either left or right when driving in universal handsfree, when the adjacent vehicles from either sides gets close to their driving line?

  15. This is one of the longest waits between seeing whats coming in the next update and the public release. Not the longest but close. Do you think this update will include the new UI that they are showing in the R2 being that they are using the new unreal engine? Or do you think they would wait till closer until the R2 launch. Personally, if I were Rivian, I would want to get all the bugs out of the new UI before the R2 launch.

    • Definitely no new UI 2.0 on this one, just what’s in the release notes above. The Rivian app on my Android phone just got upgraded and Rivian posted a new “Rivian Stories” saying the vehicle update released today, so should be showing up shortly.

  16. I’ve updated to the latest software on my phone and in the vehicle. Unfortunately, I still don’t see how to enable the feature for using my Apple Watch. Thoughts?

  19. Any word if Rivian is skipping an update in march? Assuming so given timing and launch of r2.

  20. Is it me or are updates taking longer and longer between versions. As an early R1T Gen1 Quad owner, feeling a little neglected/left behind. The vehicle is still great so I will be keeping it and understand the Gen2/R2 focus. I don’t care about Autonomy+ and really don’t want to pay the HUGE premium to replace it with another Quad. Between depreciation and price hikes it’s a LOT of money out-of-pocket. Even stepping down to a Tri-motor would likely mean around $50k out-of-pocket.

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