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 Smart Charging Arrives with Next OTA Update

Back in May, I shared that Rivian was preparing to roll out a new smart charging program with WeaveGrid. The goal was simple: make home charging cheaper and cleaner by automatically syncing your charging schedule with utility rates and grid demand. Early simulations suggested Rivian owners could save about 30% on home charging costs and cut emissions by 28%. Today, Wassym from Rivian confirmed that Smart Charging is officially here and rolling out with the next OTA update. He also…

Why JD Power’s Tech Awards Ignore Tesla and Rivian Despite Leading Scores

JD Power just released its 2025 US Tech Experience Index Study and the results are both eye-opening and frustrating. At the very top was Tesla with an impressive 873 out of 1,000 points. Rivian followed in second place with 730 points. Based on those scores you’d think Tesla and Rivian would be the ones walking away with the awards, right? Wrong. Here’s the catch. JD Power has an outdated rule that says an automaker must sell vehicles in every single…

Rivian Owners Will Soon Get Apple CarKey, But How Does It Stack Up? (UPDATE: Android too!)

It looks like Rivian is finally flipping the switch on Apple CarKey support. MacRumors spotted the feature in Apple’s configuration files, confirming that Rivian’s integration is now live on Apple’s end. While Rivian hasn’t officially enabled it yet on their side, the rollout is coming very soon according to a Rivian spokesperson. Rivian actually promised this more than a year ago when they launched their second-generation R1T and R1S and Apple even highlighted it at their WWDC 2025 event earlier…

Storm Blue Launch Edition Rivian R1T Quad

Rivian Owners Report Highway Assist Issues After 2025.26, Rivian Promises Improvements

Rivian’s 2025.26 update has brought one of the biggest shifts yet in driver assistance tech. As we noted earlier this week, Rivian quietly dropped Mobileye from Highway Assist and fully switched over to their own in-house hardware that has shipped with every Gen 2 vehicle. Read our earlier coverage here. That’s a bold move, but it hasn’t come without growing pains. Many Gen 2 owners, myself included, have noticed that Highway Assist feels rougher than before. Lane centering has definitely taken…

Rivian Update 2025.26 Review – Bug Fixes, Smoother Apps, and Driver Assist Upgrades

Rivian’s 2025.26 update is now rolling out, and in this video I break down everything you need to know. While there are some headline features like sharper steering in Sport and Off-Road, plus big Gen 2 Driver Assistance improvements, my focus is on the bug fixes and quality-of-life updates that matter day to day. As a reminder, Rivian software updates are rolled out in batches. Connect+ subscribers will get priority.