Want to get in touch? Contact us at [email protected]
Rivian Owners Will Soon Get Apple CarKey, But How Does It Stack Up?
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 this year, but until now, it’s been in “coming soon” limbo. Apple’s update means Rivian owners could see Wallet support any day now, which is a big deal for those of us who live with our iPhones or Apple Watches glued to us. Our sources also tell us that the company is targeting availability in the coming months.
So what is Apple CarKey, and why does it matter?
CarKey is Apple’s system for turning your iPhone or Apple Watch into a secure digital car key stored inside the Wallet app. Instead of fumbling for a fob or trying to make sure the Rivian app is open, you just hold your device near the truck’s NFC reader and the doors unlock. And because Rivian supports Ultra Wideband, the car will recognize your device while it’s still in your pocket or bag, so you don’t need to pull it out at all.
Here’s how Apple CarKey stacks up against Rivian’s own digital key:
| Feature | Rivian App Digital Key | Apple CarKey (Wallet) |
|---|---|---|
| Device Support | iPhone, Android | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Unlock Method | Open Rivian app, connect via Bluetooth | Tap device to NFC reader, or use Ultra Wideband for hands-free |
| Reliability | Can be inconsistent, requires app to be responsive | Native to iOS, integrated with Wallet for smoother use |
| Battery Backup | No special backup, requires device to power on | Express Mode keeps key active for several hours even if phone dies |
| Key Sharing | Invite via Rivian app, can be clunky | Share instantly via iMessage |
| Integration | Limited to Rivian app | Works within Apple Wallet alongside cards, boarding passes, hotel keys |
| Security | Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), more vulnerable to relay attacks | Ultra Wideband (UWB) + NFC, precise distance measurement reduces relay risk |
| Compatibility | Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1T/R1S | Gen 2 R1T/R1S only (Gen 1 lacks necessary NFC/UWB hardware) |
There are two killer features that Rivian owners will really appreciate:
- Express Mode: Even if your phone dies, CarKey keeps working for several hours, so you’re not stranded if your device runs out of battery.
- Key Sharing: You can share access digitally with friends or family through Messages. That means no more handing over a physical key or messing with Rivian’s sometimes finicky app invites.
Rivian has had its own digital key inside the Rivian app, but anyone who’s used it knows it can be inconsistent. Apple Wallet integration should feel much more seamless, especially for iPhone and Apple Watch owners who already use Wallet for payments, boarding passes, and hotel keys.
It’s worth noting that this is a Gen 2-only feature. Rivian’s first-generation R1T and R1S lack the updated NFC and Ultra Wideband hardware needed for Apple CarKey, so those vehicles won’t be able to take advantage of Wallet integration.
For Gen 2 R1T and R1S owners, this update is going to be a game-changer. The convenience of just walking up to your truck and having it unlock (and I mean actually unlock not just fiddle around with the app until it decides it wants to unlock) with your iPhone or Apple Watch is the kind of small daily upgrade that makes the ownership experience feel more polished. It’s one of those features you didn’t know you needed until you try it, and then you’ll never want to go back.
So, will this bring iPhone to parity with Android or is there something else special about it? I can already just hold my Android phone near the door handle to unlock my Gen 2 even with proximity locking turned off at home. Works great.
Key differences as detailed in the prior article include not needing to handle the phone at all, as the UWB chip will communicate with the R1 even with the phone in a pocket, purse, or briefcase, and the ability of the UWB chip to continue to work even after the phone has shut itself down from a “dead” battery as the chip maintains a power reserve which can still lock/unlock the R1 without the phone otherwise powered up.
Pretty sure neither Android nor any of its phone manufacturers can make either of those claims.
The “hold the phone next to the car” functionality is the Rivian app working. It’s decent on both Android and iOS platforms, but not at this level of performance.
iPhones can also already do this, so by your measure they’re already at parity and will be gaining features as UWB is superior to BLE in terms of locating your phone in 3d space.