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.

RJ Scaringe Confirms Universal Hands Free on Gen 2 R1 Before Autonomy Day

RJ Scaringe just dropped a pretty huge nugget during his Fireside Chat at Actuate 2025, and it could not have come at a better time with Rivian’s first Autonomy Day right around the corner on December 11. He confirmed that he recently spent two full hours driving, or really not driving, a Gen 2 R1 around the Palo Alto area while the vehicle handled everything on its own. He described it as Universal Hands Free, which is basically Rivian’s version…

If Tesla Adds CarPlay, Rivian’s Stance Could Get Harder To Defend

Tesla spent years insisting that CarPlay would never touch its in-car ecosystem. Now Bloomberg says the company is quietly testing it and might roll it out by the end of the year. If this actually happens, it completely rewrites the conversation about whether Rivian could ever bring CarPlay to its vehicles. Tesla is the poster child for the walled garden approach. They built everything from scratch, from maps to media to voice control, and they refused to let a third…

Rivian Gen 2 Vehicles Now Calibrate Cameras While Driving

Over the last few software updates, Rivian quietly introduced a feature that lets Gen 2 vehicle cameras calibrate while you drive. Instead of needing a trip to the service center for minor camera adjustments, your R1 can now align its cameras on the go, continuously learning and refining their position as you drive through different environments. Here’s how it works. When a Rivian rolls off the line, it gets its first camera calibration at the factory. Now, that calibration evolves dynamically.…

Review – Rivian 2025.38 Update Brings Climate Hold, IONNA Support, and Big Charging Upgrades

Rivian’s rolling out software update 2025.38, and it’s packed with useful quality-of-life upgrades that make daily driving just a little smoother. I spent some time testing everything that’s new in this release, including Climate Hold, auto cabin ventilation, Plug & Charge support for IONNA and Electrify America, and a few hidden tweaks Rivian didn’t exactly highlight. Plus included in this release is all the Halloween goodies which you can check out in my other video. Check out my full hands-on…

Rivian Trades Movie Magic for Swamp Vibes in This Year’s Halloween Car Costume

Rivian’s Halloween mode is back, and this year’s Car Costume takes things to a whole new level. Inspired by Bayou Country, the latest chapter in Rivian’s Real Rivian Adventures campaign, it transforms your R1T or R1S into a swampy, fog-filled party on wheels. If you remember last year’s Halloween Car Costumes, Rivian went all out with movie-inspired themes like Back to the Future and Knight Rider. They were a hit among owners but likely not cheap to pull off, since licensing big franchises can get expensive…