Photo: Rivian
Rivian has always been praised for its timely software updates, with many comparing it to Tesla, the pioneer of over-the-air updates. With the 2025 R1T and R1S launch, the EV startup has significantly improved its software and is preparing to launch new connectivity services and sought-after features, including smartphone projection.
When it comes to automotive software, Tesla is the benchmark. It makes sense, considering that its vehicles are basically computers on wheels. The EV maker has pioneered over-the-air updates and has constantly improved its vehicles using this feature. Other carmakers have adopted over-the-air updates since then, although not all have gotten it right. Next to Tesla, only Rivian has been acclaimed for its software efforts.
Rivian has been paying close attention to what Tesla was doing and followed its success recipe to the letter. Its monthly updates have been praised for bringing new features and improving those currently installed. However, not all the features owners wanted have been on Rivian's priority list. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were unavailable, and the Bluetooth connection was not optimal for audio streaming.
With the refreshed R1S and R1T launch, Rivian has stepped up its software game significantly. Not only has Rivian changed the user interface completely, but it also added features that made owners excited when the EV maker announced them. The refreshed models will gain native support for Apple Music, Apple Digital Key, and smartphone projection of sorts. It's still not CarPlay or Android Auto, but Google Cast support will allow watching YouTube (and other streaming services) content on the vehicle's infotainment screen.
The new interface ditches the realistic images for cel-shading graphics, and the more powerful infotainment computer allows the Unreal Engine to shine. Dynamic animations, stunning visuals, and a unique style bring the Rivian user interface to life. New features, including new apps and access to more vehicle functions, have been added. Sound quality also got an important boost thanks to the addition of Dolby Atmos for cars equipped with the Premium Audio package.
The refreshed R1 vehicles now come with Ultra-Wideband support, which means they offer advanced functions for the Pone as a Key feature. This works with Apple Digital Key thanks to Apple Wallet support, either from the iPhone or Apple Watch. Select Google Pixel phones are also supported, and more brands will be added later, considering that Ultra-Wideband is quickly becoming an established standard among smartphone manufacturers.
Rivian launched a new Connect+ connectivity service, which is required to access the most advanced functions. This will cost $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year and provides unlimited data, Google Cast video streaming across 3,000 apps, including YouTube and popular streaming services, and access to Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and TuneIn. The Connect+ package also offers in-vehicle hotspot, map satellite images, and Gear Guard Live Cam (coming later this year).
Alexa Basic for vehicle commands comes standard, but users with Connect+ will get the more advanced Alexa Connected assistant. For the first time, R1 owners can activate Siri or Google Assistant from their phones, replacing Alexa on the left steering wheel thumb control. You can also wake Alexa with a voice command even when an alternative phone assistant is active.
Rivian has been paying close attention to what Tesla was doing and followed its success recipe to the letter. Its monthly updates have been praised for bringing new features and improving those currently installed. However, not all the features owners wanted have been on Rivian's priority list. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were unavailable, and the Bluetooth connection was not optimal for audio streaming.
With the refreshed R1S and R1T launch, Rivian has stepped up its software game significantly. Not only has Rivian changed the user interface completely, but it also added features that made owners excited when the EV maker announced them. The refreshed models will gain native support for Apple Music, Apple Digital Key, and smartphone projection of sorts. It's still not CarPlay or Android Auto, but Google Cast support will allow watching YouTube (and other streaming services) content on the vehicle's infotainment screen.
The new interface ditches the realistic images for cel-shading graphics, and the more powerful infotainment computer allows the Unreal Engine to shine. Dynamic animations, stunning visuals, and a unique style bring the Rivian user interface to life. New features, including new apps and access to more vehicle functions, have been added. Sound quality also got an important boost thanks to the addition of Dolby Atmos for cars equipped with the Premium Audio package.
The refreshed R1 vehicles now come with Ultra-Wideband support, which means they offer advanced functions for the Pone as a Key feature. This works with Apple Digital Key thanks to Apple Wallet support, either from the iPhone or Apple Watch. Select Google Pixel phones are also supported, and more brands will be added later, considering that Ultra-Wideband is quickly becoming an established standard among smartphone manufacturers.
Rivian launched a new Connect+ connectivity service, which is required to access the most advanced functions. This will cost $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year and provides unlimited data, Google Cast video streaming across 3,000 apps, including YouTube and popular streaming services, and access to Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and TuneIn. The Connect+ package also offers in-vehicle hotspot, map satellite images, and Gear Guard Live Cam (coming later this year).
Alexa Basic for vehicle commands comes standard, but users with Connect+ will get the more advanced Alexa Connected assistant. For the first time, R1 owners can activate Siri or Google Assistant from their phones, replacing Alexa on the left steering wheel thumb control. You can also wake Alexa with a voice command even when an alternative phone assistant is active.
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