Rivian iPhone Car Keys Coming to R1S and R1T This Month
Rivian owners will soon unlock a new level of convenience: iPhone car keys in Apple Wallet. Later this month, Rivian plans to roll out Apple Wallet car key support for its second-generation R1S and R1T models through the 2025.46 software update. While the company has not confirmed an exact release date, drivers can expect a seamless digital key experience that removes the need for the Rivian app.
This update answers one of the most common questions from EV drivers: “Can I use my iPhone instead of a key fob?” With Apple Wallet integration, the answer is now yes—for the latest Rivian models.
Unlock, Lock, and Start with Your iPhone or Apple Watch
The new feature allows Rivian drivers to remotely unlock, lock, and start their second-generation R1S and R1T vehicles directly from an iPhone or Apple Watch. Express Mode makes accessing your vehicle even easier—you can keep your iPhone in your pocket as you approach, without requiring Face ID authentication. This hands-free approach adds both speed and convenience for everyday use.
Ultra Wideband Tech Enables Passive Entry
Rivian is incorporating Ultra Wideband technology, a step up from traditional NFC-based digital keys. This allows for passive entry, so your iPhone doesn’t need to touch a reader to unlock the car. Simply walking up to your vehicle with the phone in your pocket is enough to gain access, offering a futuristic, frictionless experience that fits the high-tech ethos of Rivian’s EV lineup.
Power Reserve Protects You if Your iPhone Dies
One common concern with digital car keys is what happens if your iPhone battery dies. Rivian has addressed this with a Power Reserve feature that keeps the Apple Wallet car key active for up to five hours after the device shuts off. This ensures drivers are never stranded due to a dead phone—an essential safeguard for those relying entirely on digital keys.
Share Your Car Key With Family and Friends
Apple Wallet car keys in Rivian aren’t just personal—they’re shareable. Owners can send a digital key to up to eight family members or friends using AirDrop or messaging apps like Messages and WhatsApp. This makes it easy for multiple drivers to access the same vehicle without handing over a physical key, adding flexibility for households or shared rides.
Limited to Second-Generation Vehicles
It’s important to note that Apple Wallet car key support will not extend to Rivian’s first-generation R1S and R1T vehicles, which were built through the 2024 model year. Owners of older models will need to continue using the Rivian app or physical keys. This limitation reflects Rivian’s focus on integrating new software capabilities into its latest generation of EVs.
Rivian Maintains Its Stance on CarPlay
Even as Apple Wallet integration expands, Rivian remains opposed to Apple CarPlay. The company emphasizes its proprietary in-car experience but does provide access to Apple Music through a Connect+ subscription. Priced at $14.99 per month or $149.99 annually, Connect+ allows drivers to enjoy Apple Music natively within the Rivian infotainment system without connecting an iPhone.
Why This Update Matters for EV Owners
For Rivian drivers, Apple Wallet car keys offer more than convenience—they reflect a broader shift toward digital-first vehicle access. Passive entry, Express Mode, and Power Reserve address real-world challenges, making everyday driving smoother. As EV technology evolves, features like these set Rivian apart in a competitive market where user experience increasingly defines brand loyalty.
How Rivian Compares to Other EV Brands
While other EV makers like Tesla have offered digital key features for years, Rivian’s integration of Ultra Wideband technology and Power Reserve functionality puts it on par—or even ahead—in usability. Sharing digital keys easily via messaging apps also distinguishes Rivian from brands that limit key sharing to their own ecosystems.
What Drivers Can Expect This Month
Rivian’s software team is finalizing the 2025.46 update, which means second-generation R1S and R1T owners should be ready to update their vehicles later this month. Once installed, the Apple Wallet integration will bring a fully hands-free experience to Rivian drivers, combining convenience, security, and advanced technology in one digital package.
The Future of Rivian Digital Keys
This update marks a pivotal moment for Rivian as it continues to embrace digital-first features. While first-generation owners are left out, the expansion of Apple Wallet car keys underscores Rivian’s commitment to modernizing the driving experience for new vehicles. As more EV brands adopt similar technologies, Rivian’s early focus on user-friendly digital keys may set a new industry standard.
