Rivian CEO Doubles Down on Decision to Not Offer Apple CarPlay
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has once again explained why the company refuses to include Apple’s popular CarPlay system in its electric vehicles. In a recent interview on The Verge’s Decoder podcast, Scaringe made it clear that Rivian CEO doubles down on decision to not offer Apple CarPlay because he believes Rivian’s own digital ecosystem offers a more seamless, future-ready experience for drivers.
Why Rivian Is Saying No to Apple CarPlay
According to Scaringe, Rivian wants to maintain full control over the user experience. Instead of relying on third-party software like CarPlay or Android Auto, Rivian is building its own connected ecosystem that blends entertainment, navigation, and communication — all natively integrated into the vehicle.
He explained that this approach allows Rivian to create a “seamless digital experience,” eliminating the need for drivers to toggle between CarPlay and Rivian’s own interface. The company instead offers a curated selection of built-in apps such as Apple Music, Google Maps, Spotify, and YouTube.
Focus on AI and Next-Gen In-Car Features
Scaringe said he remains “very confident” in Rivian’s strategy, emphasizing that the automaker’s long-term roadmap includes advanced AI-powered vehicle integration. Over the next 18 months, Rivian plans to roll out features like native AI-driven voice-to-text messaging and personalized driver assistance tools.
By embedding AI directly into its system, Rivian hopes to offer a smarter, more adaptive in-car experience that rivals — or even surpasses — what Apple CarPlay currently provides.
A Bold Choice That Divides Drivers
Still, Scaringe acknowledged that Rivian’s decision may not please everyone. Many EV enthusiasts value Apple CarPlay’s familiar and user-friendly interface, and some potential buyers might skip Rivian vehicles because of its absence.
“We accept that,” Scaringe said, reaffirming his stance. “Some of those decisions not everyone’s going to agree with — and that’s okay.”
The Bigger Picture for Rivian
Rivian’s decision to skip Apple CarPlay is part of a larger industry trend toward owning the in-car software stack. As automakers compete to control data, user experience, and long-term subscription services, partnerships with Apple and Google may become less attractive.
By doubling down on its independent software vision, Rivian is betting that its in-house experience — powered by AI and tightly integrated design — will become a defining feature of its brand identity.
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