Software

Stay current on all Rivian software updates, features, and improvements. From over-the-air updates and UI changes to new app integrations and vehicle functions, this category covers everything happening on the digital side of Rivian ownership.

Rivian Reportedly Partnering with Google Gemini for Upcoming AI Voice Assistant

Rivian is reportedly gearing up to roll out a brand-new AI-powered in-vehicle assistant, and this time it’s coming from Google. Sources say the company is transitioning away from Amazon’s Alexa platform and moving toward Google’s Gemini AI as its primary voice assistant partner. This marks a big shift for Rivian’s connected vehicle experience. The automaker will use Google Cloud as the backbone for its upcoming AI voice system, integrating Gemini’s capabilities directly into its in-vehicle software. While official details are…

RJ Scaringe Defends Rivian’s Decision to Skip CarPlay

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe joined The Verge’s Decoder podcast this week, and once again, the question came up that so many owners keep asking: where’s Apple CarPlay? RJ didn’t dodge it. He told guest host Joanna Stern that Rivian has no plans to support CarPlay or the new CarPlay Ultra, explaining that the company wants to deliver a “seamless digital experience” built entirely around Rivian’s own software. In his words, Rivian doesn’t want customers “jumping between two systems.” Instead, they’re focusing on…

Video – Rivian Software 2025.34 Review

Rivian’s 2025.34 update is here and I had the chance to dive into it early. The big highlights include Smart Charging Schedule Recommendation, which can save you 20% or more by automatically charging at off-peak hours, plus new custom audio profiles and refinements to the equalizer. Gen 2 owners get even more with Enhanced Highway Assist and the new Co-Steer feature, letting you gently adjust lane position without disengaging the system, along with broader availability and improved lane centering. Across…

More Improvements Coming to Rivian Performance Upgrade Later This Year, Confirmed by Wassym

After sharing my video yesterday about the Rivian Performance Upgrade on my R1S Dual Large, Rivian’s Head of Software, Wassym Bensaid, jumped into the conversation on Twitter with some clarification. There had been rumors floating around that the All-Purpose drive mode doesn’t see any improvements from the Performance Upgrade, but that’s false. Wassym confirmed that All-Purpose mode does in fact get a performance boost, with better acceleration and torque shaping. He also mentioned more improvements are coming to the Performance Upgrade later…

Video – Is Rivian’s $5,000 Performance Upgrade Worth It?

I finally pulled the trigger on the Rivian Performance Upgrade for my R1S Dual Large and wanted to share the full experience with you all. This upgrade runs $5,000 and promises better acceleration and overall performance. In the video below, I go over the purchase process, what installation was like, and most importantly, whether it’s actually worth the money. If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading, this should help you decide.